Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
LES CATACOMBES
Paris' most macabre sight is its series of underground tunnels lined with
skulls and bones. In 1785 it was decided that in order to rectify the hygiene
problems of Paris' overflowing cemeteries the bones would be exhumed and
stored in disused quarry tunnels. Thus, the Catacombes were created in 1810.
The route through the Catacombes begins at a small, dark-green belle époque building in
the centre of a grassy area of av Colonel Henri Roi-Tanguy, adjacent to place Denfert
Rochereau. After descending 20m (via 130 narrow, dizzying spiral steps) below street level,
you follow the dark, subterranean passages to reach the ossuary itself, with a mind-boggling
amount of bones and skulls of millions of Parisians neatly packed along the walls.
You'll traverse 2km of tunnels in all. The surface is uneven and often slippery due to
loose stones and mud - sturdy shoes are essential. In the tunnels the temperature is a cool
14° Celsius, there are no toilets and flash photography isn't permitted. A maximum of 200
people are allowed in the tunnels at a time and queues can be huge - arrive early in the
morning to beat the worst of the crowds. Last entry is at 4pm. Bear in mind that it's not suit-
able for young children (nor anyone faint-hearted).
Renting an audioguide (€3) greatly enhances the experience; 90-minute guided tours in
English (€4.50) take place at noon on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The exit is back up 83 steps onto rue Remy Dumoncel, 14e (metro Mouton-Duvernet),
700m southwest of av Colonel Henri Roi-Tanguy. Bag searches are carried out to prevent
visitors 'souveniring' bones. A gift shop selling quirky skull-and-bone-themed items (Jenga,
candles, shot glasses) is across the street from the exit.
