Catacombs History and Dark Paris PRIVATE EXTERIOR Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the mysterious and darker side of Paris on this private walking tour exploring the history of the Paris Catacombs and underground Paris—without entering the Catacombs.
Led by a professional local guide, this experience focuses on the origins of the Catacombs, Paris’s underground tunnels, cemeteries, plagues, revolutions, and the hidden stories beneath the city streets. This tour is designed as a historical and cultural exploration, perfect if Catacombs tickets are sold out or if you want to understand the site before or after a visit.
This is a 100% private tour, created exclusively for you and your group.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour does not include entry to the Paris Catacombs. All explanations take place outside the Catacombs and at nearby historical locations.
What To Expect
The Paris Catacombs
Paris Catacombs Entrance (Exterior Only) Stand outside the official entrance of the Paris Catacombs and uncover the dramatic story behind one of the city’s most mysterious sites. Learn why millions of bones were moved underground, how the ossuary was created, and what makes the Catacombs so unique—explained clearly from the outside, without entering.
Place Denfert-Rochereau
Explore this historic square built above former underground quarries. Discover how this area became a key gateway to underground Paris and hear stories about its strategic importance during different periods of Parisian history, including World War II.
Options
Catacombs History and Dark Paris PRIVATE EXTERIOR Tour
What‘s Included
Photos Taken during the whole tour by our guide
Professional Local Guide
Guided Walking Tour (ONLY EXTERIOR)
Private: Only your group
Hotel pickup or drop-off
Catacombs entry tickets are not included
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Plan ahead don’t pay for this private tour
Cheryl D,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The tour guide was good but the company, Trip Monsters, did not buy him a ticket to the catacombs nor the WW2 bunkers. So we did not have an explanation of the things not explained in English. I feel we missed much of our private tour because of this. Also, cemetery was closed, which should have been noticed ahead of time, and redirected to seeing something else. All in all, we could have had the same experience without paying for private tour.
Great Tour
Cynthia L,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ashu was an outstanding tour guide! His knowledge of the Catacombs, Montparnasse Cemetery, and the Liberation of Paris Museum made each stop memorable. He shared fascinating historical facts, interesting stories, and meaningful context that made the tour fascinating. Ashu's passion for history was evident throughout the tour, and he presented the information in a way that was both informative and easy to follow. He was friendly, approachable, and happy to answer questions, making the experience enjoyable for our family. I highly recommend touring with Ashu. His expertise made this one of the best experiences of our visit to Paris!
One of the best Paris history done
leylinf20,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enriching, both historically and culturally. Thank you! It was a great experience.
Atmospheric and surprisingly moving
hannahbN7677AE,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I didn't expect to feel emotional on a history walk but walking through Montparnasse Cemetery with our guide pointing out the graves of Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Baudelaire was genuinely moving. The whole tour has this quiet, reflective atmosphere that suits the subject matter perfectly. The guide clearly loves Paris and it shows. Meeting at the pharmacy was easy to find. Small private group kept it personal. Excellent experience.
A waste of time and...
Leticia Q,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00A waste of time and money. Not all the promised stops were made and the timeline is terrible. We were removed from the cemetery early because the company did not take into account the special holiday schedule. Not worth it, but the price is very high. I highlight the good attitude of the guide, but it does not compensate for the horrible organization of the tour. You see absolutely nothing.
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