Catacombs in Paris

The Catacombs of Paris: a historic and unusual site

The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement, beneath the streets of the Denfert-Rochereau district. Originally, they were limestone quarries dating back to the Middle Ages, later transformed into a vast underground network. At the end of the 18th century, to solve the overcrowding of Paris cemeteries, more than 6 million bodies were transferred here, turning the site into a huge municipal ossuary.

A unique underground museum

Today, the Catacombs are one of the city’s most unusual tourist attractions. With 1.7 km of galleries located 20 meters underground, this fascinating museum welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Carefully arranged bones, narrow passages and a mysterious atmosphere make it an unforgettable cultural experience.

Visiting the Catacombs of Paris

A visit to the Catacombs is a journey into Parisian history. Guided tours explain the sanitary and urban challenges of the time. We recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket, as queues can be long in high season.

Practical information

The Catacombs are located near Denfert-Rochereau square, easily accessible by metro, bus or from Gare Montparnasse. The tour lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Note: visitors must descend over 130 steps to reach the galleries.

Hotels near the Catacombs of Paris

Our Timhotel properties are ideally located to reach this site: Timhotel rue d’Odessa, Timhotel Gare Montparnasse, Timhotel Tour Montparnasse, and Timhotel Place d’Italie. Enjoy a comfortable stay and easy access to the Catacombs of Paris and the city’s other major landmarks.