Catacombs of Paris (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Catacombs of Paris?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The self-paced audio guide and eerie history reward independent visitors, yet 243 steps, humid tunnels and darkness need good mobility and no severe claustrophobia.
Positives:
- Steady climate: The constant 14 °C environment feels cool year-round.
- Self-paced experience: Audio guide lets you pause or replay as you wish.
Challenges:
- Claustrophobic passages: Some tunnels narrow below 1 m wide—skip visit if severe claustrophobia.
- Stair access only: 131 steps down and 112 up with no elevator.
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 solo trip?
- Timed-entry ticket ensures guaranteed entry.
- Audio guide lets you learn history at your own pace.
- Unique arrangements of millions of bones in narrow tunnels.
- Stable underground climate offers a cool break from city heat.
- Light travel and sturdy shoes make the climb easier.
Recommended visit duration: 1–1.5 hours
Why 1–1.5 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: The walk through the ossuary and return stairwell fits into a short, focused visit without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Catacombs of Paris
Descend the spiral stairwell:
Climb the 131 steps down into the ossuary entrance.
Tip: Move at your own pace and pause to adjust to the low light.
Explore the bone-lined galleries:
Walk through corridors arranged with skulls and femurs.
Tip: Use the audio guide to learn the meaning behind each arrangement.
Spot 18th-century graffiti:
Look for historic quarrymen’s markings on the limestone walls.
Tip: Shine your phone light gently; no flash photography allowed.
Use the included audio guide:
Listen to stories about quarry history, geology, and ossuary creation.
Tip: Pause sections to linger by your favorite displays.
Browse the souvenir shop:
Find books and replicas of quarry tools at the exit.
Tip: Pick up a guidebook to revisit highlights later.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Catacombs of Paris
- Book 7 days ahead: Reserve your ticket online to avoid sell-outs.
- Travel light: Carry only a small bag (max 40×30 cm) to pass security smoothly.
- Download the PDF leaflet: Read site map in advance for faster navigation underground.
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)?
Queues form fastest in July–August. Choose early or late time slots year-round. Underground temperature stays around 14 °C, so summer or winter, bring a light jacket.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Timed-entry ticket with audio guide | EUR 31 |
| Souvenir purchase | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 41 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Catacombs of Paris
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Catacombs of Paris (Paris)?
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.
Website
Official WebsiteExplore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!