Catacombs of Paris (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Catacombs of Paris?
What makes it 49% Kids-Friendly: Kids 10–12 gain a vivid history lesson, yet bones, darkness, 243 stairs, no strollers and no toilets en-route can scare or exhaust younger children.
Positives:
- Educational history: Kids learn about geology and Paris history in an immersive setting.
- Short route: The 1.5 km circuit takes about 1–2 hours, ideal for young attention spans.
- Restroom access: Toilets at the entrance and exit prevent mid-tour delays.
Challenges:
- Age and comfort: The site recommends ages 10+; younger kids may feel uneasy in dark tunnels.
- No strollers: All bags must be carried; there is no stroller or luggage storage on site.
- Many stairs: 131 steps down and 112 up could tire small legs quickly.
What is Catacombs of Paris?
- An underground ossuary beneath Paris housing the exhumed remains of over six million Parisians
- A network of former limestone quarries dating to the 13th century repurposed in the late 18th century as the city’s municipal ossuary
- Vaulted subterranean galleries adorned with meticulously arranged skeletal walls and decorative bone sculptures
What is so special about Catacombs of Paris for with kids?
- Descend a spiral stairway into Paris’s historic underground ossuary
- See walls of carefully arranged bones and 18th-century miner graffiti
- Stroll a 1.5 km path with optional audio guide for engaging storytelling
- Enjoy a 1–2 hour visit with restroom stops at start and end
- Give kids a hands-on history lesson in a safe, guided setting
Note: Catacombs of Paris is 49% Kids-Friendly. You may want to consider other Kids-Friendly Things to Do in Paris for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 1–2 hour visit lets kids explore at a relaxed pace with time for breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Catacombs of Paris
Descend the spiral staircase:
Follow the 131 steps down into the ossuary halls.
Tip: Hold kids’ hands and count steps together to make it fun.
Explore the Bone Gallery:
Walk through chambers lined with skulls and femurs arranged in patterns.
Tip: Point out shapes and patterns without touching the bones.
Spot 18th-century graffiti:
Look for miner carvings on the limestone walls.
Tip: Bring a small flashlight to highlight details for curious eyes.
Browse the souvenir shop:
Browse books, toys, and bone-themed keepsakes at the exit.
Tip: Let each child pick one item under €10 to remember the trip.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Catacombs of Paris
- Book in advance: Reserve timed-entry tickets online at least 7 days ahead to skip lines.
- Share an audio guide: Rent one guide to share stories with older kids without extra cost.
- Dress in layers: Wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket to stay comfortable on cool, damp floors.
Reviews of Catacombs of Paris
Hayir Farko
U must to buy ticket earlier and make reservacion day with time cuz if u go directly u cant go inside and visit that day. Their program is full probably for few days. They offer also for some people free tickets ( u can check on website who can get free ticket ) , by this way u can go when u want even if their daily visit list is full, they accept u. U can also take audioguide , have options few l...
Imola Tóth (Mollie)
I wanted to visit the catacombs for a long time and finally got our tickets. It was beyond anything I could imagine. We got audio guides with our tickets and it was very useful, the information makes it more interesting. There's famous people buried here,too like Moilere or La Fontaine. You need to be careful because some places are slippery. There were some annoying tourists speaking very loudly...
Tessa DeConcini
Worked great to buy tickets 2 weeks in advance. Please note that if you have a disability ticket, you must pick it up in person and no audio guide is included, but you can have an additional guest enter for free with the disabled guest. That said, this place is NOT ACCESSIBLE if you have any mobility challenges, but of course, that is because it is a network of quarries-turned-burial-site 20-30met...
B
Not quite sure what I had expected here but it surpassed every expectation that I had. The audio tour is very informative and you’re led around the catacombs gradually. The place is naturally quite somber but still very enjoyable. The surfaces can be a little uneven and the walk down/up is made up of quite steep steps so keep it in mind if mobility is an issue for you. The visit took us around an ...
Ivan Tan
The whole visit is pleasant, interesting and safe. Large bags are not allowed. The floors are little wet in the tunnels, kinda cold too. Online reservations are available on the official website (only allowed to book one week in advance). The entrance is here, but the exit is at a different location, you may search for ‘Exit of Catacombs’. The Catacombs of Paris are one of the city’s creepiest bu...
When is the best time to visit Catacombs of Paris (Paris, France)?
The Catacombs stay around 14°C year-round; bring a light jacket even in summer.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | EUR 31 |
| Child ticket (5–17) | EUR 12 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 86 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Catacombs of Paris
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
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About Catacombs of Paris
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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