Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes Skip-the-Line Entry and lets you access parts of the Catacombs that are off-limits to individual visitors, so you get more out of your experience. Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not wheelchair accessible.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking expert guide
Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
Guided visit of the Paris Catacombs
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Food/Beverages
What To Expect
The Paris Catacombs
Your guide, an English-speaking local expert, will lead your group into the 200-mile labyrinth of bone-lined galleries and former quarry tunnels. At the entrance, an inscription reads, “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort” – “Stop! Here lies the empire of death.” Here, you’ll see remains of dignitaries like Rabelais and Robespierre, among over 6 million former Parisians. While standard visits stick to public routes, your guide takes you beyond the usual path. Discover hidden sites like Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker secretly carved sculptures over five years before a tragic cave-in. You’ll also see the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose flame reassured workers that the air was safe. As you explore, your guide brings to life the history, legends, and mysteries of this underground world. After this journey 65 feet beneath Paris, you’ll never see the city the same way again.
Options
Small Group Tour - English
Guided tour with a small group of 14 people or fewer
Group Tour - English
Skip-the-Line Tour with a small group of 19 people or fewer
Semi Private Tour - English
Semi-private tour with 6 people or fewer for a more intimate experience
Reviews
1,061 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Catacombs bucket list done!
Hoang N,
May 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lawerence was a great guide giving us awesome unique stories behind the Catacombs. It was worth getting this tour and one of our bucket list items in Paris checked off. The spectacle and magnitude of how they developed and moved 6 million bodies to be housed there is unimaginable.
Lawrence was a great...
Jen H,
Apr 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lawrence was a great guide - we were able to go in a special section and seen some extra carvings, he had a deep knowledge and passion for the history, and he paced the tour well. It’s about a mile of walking, and the stairs are a little tough on the way back up, but it was absolutely fascinating.
Sam was an awesome tour...
Dylan N,
Mar 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Sam was an awesome tour guide. Had tons of great information to share about an interesting piece of French history.
Awesome visit and historically interesting
Isabelle S,
Mar 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Best guide this city has! Our tour went flawlessly, and Saeed was knowledgeable and really loved his job. I recommend this tour, and especially this guide, because it made it even more interesting. A must see if you visit Paris. Thanks !
Take the guided tour over...
Jerome B,
Mar 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Take the guided tour over the audio. Saeed did a wonderful and very enjoyable tour. He was worth every cent
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Operated by City Wonders Ltd