Catacombs of Paris
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Catacombs - by Hartmut Kellner from Pixabay
Description
The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries holding the remain of six million people in a tunnel network connecting subterranean stone quarries. It was created at the end of the 18th century to transfer the remains of the city's overflowing cemeteries. It was forgotten for a century and then "rediscovered" and turned into a public attraction towards the end of the 19th century. The visit lasts about 45-60mins and consists in a 1.5km one-way circuit in tunnels with often low ceilings.
Access & Transport
The most convenient way to get there is by metro / RER B, alighting at Denfert-Rochereau station (close to the entrance). The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy and exit at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty There are 131 steps down and 112 steps to climb back up so the visit is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Instructions & Recommendations
*** Online booking is highly recommended as spaces are limited *** Do not hesitate to bring a sweater if you have one as temperature goes down to 14°C underground. Also, please note that it is forbidden to touch bones and that children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult - and you may want to think twice before bringing a young child.
Environmental & Social
Socially and environmentally neutral
Conclusion
The Paris catacombs are not your usual tourist attraction and certainly will not interest everybody. We think it is of interest, but probably not something first time visitors to the city should have on their itinerary (assuming the objective is not to provide content to a social media account). The pricing is also a little startling but can be explained by the limited daily capacity.
Key positive
Some interesting background history, including the use of the tunnel network during WW2
Original and potentially fascinating for some
Easy and fast to get to by public transport
Key negative
The atmosphere may be too morbid and claustrophobic for some
Expensive at the standard rate
Few other tourists' attractions nearby
Suitability
This activity is NOT suitable for all ages. We would not recommend it for children under 10-12 and those aged under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The site is not wheelchair accessible and the website warns that "the atmosphere may be anxiogenic for individuals with mental disabilities"
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday -
Tuesday09:45 - 20:30
Wednesday09:45 - 20:30
Thursday09:45 - 20:30
Friday09:45 - 20:30
Saturday09:45 - 20:30
Sunday09:45 - 20:30