Planning a visit to the Paris Catacombs? Understanding the opening hours and access details is essential for a smooth and memorable experience. This guide provides you with all the necessary information to plan your trip, ensuring you know what time you can explore this unique Parisian landmark.
Getting to the Catacombs
The visitor entrance is easily accessible at 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau) 75014 Paris.
By Metro & RER:
- Metro: Denfert-Rochereau station
- RER B: Denfert-Rochereau station
By Bus:
- Bus lines: 38, 68
Parking & Other Transport:
- Paid parking: Boulevard Saint-Jacques
- Velib’ (bike-sharing): Station 2, avenue René-Coty
Restroom Facilities
For your convenience, restrooms are available both at the entrance and exit of the Catacombs.
Paris Catacombs Opening Hours: What Time Can You Visit?
The Paris Catacombs welcome visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Make sure to arrive in time for the last admissions at 7:30 p.m. if you plan an evening visit.
Open on Public Holidays:
The Catacombs are open on several public holidays, including:
- July 14 (Bastille Day)
- August 15 (Assumption of Mary)
- November 1 (All Saints’ Day)
- November 11 (Armistice Day)
Closed Days:
Please note that the Catacombs are closed every Monday and on the following holidays:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- May 1 (Labour Day)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
Important Visit Conditions
To ensure a safe and comfortable visit for everyone, please be aware of the following conditions:
- Limited Capacity: The number of visitors allowed inside is limited to 200 at any time. Entrance may be temporarily paused during peak hours.
- Visit Duration: A typical visit lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- One-Way Circuit: The 1.5-kilometer circuit is a one-way path. You enter at 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy and exit at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty.
- Temperature: The temperature inside the Catacombs remains constant at 14°C (57°F).
- Steps: Be prepared for 131 steps down and 112 steps back up.
- Accessibility: The site is not wheelchair accessible due to steps, uneven and slippery floors, and narrow passageways.
- Not Recommended For: Individuals with motor disabilities, claustrophobia, or heart or respiratory conditions.
- Children: Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Sight Impairment: Sight-disabled individuals must be accompanied. Guide dogs are permitted, but white canes are not. Touching bones and surroundings is prohibited for everyone.
- Bag Policy: Suitcases and large bags are not allowed. Only bags smaller than 40×30 cm are permitted and must be carried in front or in hand. No coat room or luggage storage is available.
For any questions regarding visit conditions and access, you can contact [email protected].
Admission Rates and Audioguides
Museum Admission:
For detailed information on individual and group rates, please refer to the official website’s Individual rates and Group rates pages.
Audioguides:
Enhance your visit with an audioguide, available in French, English, Spanish, and German for 5€. The audioguide tour lasts 45 minutes. You can use your own earphones with a jack connector.
Visiting Guidelines
The Paris Catacombs are a unique and fragile ossuary. Visitors are asked to respect the site and other visitors by adhering to the following guidelines:
- Do not touch the bones or surroundings.
- Group leaders are responsible for informing their groups about the rules.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited inside.
- Camera tripods are not allowed.
By visiting the Catacombs, you agree to these guidelines. The Catacombs administration reserves the right to ask visitors not following these rules to leave the premises.
For complete visitor guidelines, please visit: https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/visit/please-read-your-visit
Plan your visit to the Paris Catacombs, keeping in mind what time they open and the important access conditions, for an unforgettable exploration of Parisian history beneath the city streets.
