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About Catacombs of Paris
Best Time to Visit Catacombs of Paris
To avoid the big crowd and queues, one should visit the Paris Catacombs between October to May as these are the best time to visit Catacombs of Paris. These months are considered off-season in the Paris tourist calendar. During the low season, the Catacombs are usually filled with visitors on weekends. So to avoid the long queue, one should visit during a weekday. The worst day to visit is Tuesday, as most of the public museums in the city are closed. Hence, the majority of the crowd rushes here.
The Paris Catacombs witness a large influx of tourists during the month of December and January due to the holidays. No matter which day of the week you choose, you are most likely to encounter a big queue of visitors waiting to get inside the tourist attraction.
How to Avoid The Crowds
History of Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris history dates back to the Gallo-Roman period when the citizens of Paris used limestone to construct most of the buildings. The miners of limestone used the technique of extracting the limestone horizontally which led to the formation of a honeycomb of tunnels as Paris grew. Also, the cemeteries within the city limits were overflowing during that particular period, thus creating a gory and unhygienic aura around the city. With time the problem intensified and dead bodies started flooding the town. The only location with sufficient room to bury all the existing dead bodies and more were these former mine tunnels that were twenty meters beneath the city. This is how the Catacombs of Paris came into existence!
The construction of the catacombs started in 1785, and it was named as Saints-Innocents cemetery. Later on April 7, 1786, the site was consecrated as the "Paris Municipal Ossuary." From that same date, the famous underground burial site got the mythical name "Catacombs," Also, from 1809, the Catacombs of Paris were opened to the public by appointment.
Chronological Milestones
Fourteenth-century: Formation of the first underground quarries.
1774: the great collapse of Rue Denfert-Rochereau; 300 meters got swallowed up.
September 15, 1776: King Louis XVI signed a decree that forbids extracting material from under public roads.
April 4, 1777: The Department of General Quarry Inspection was formed by King Louis XVI, which worked to protect Parisian quarries.
1780: Saints-Innocents cemetery was closed.
April 7, 1786: The consecration of the Tombe-Issoire quarries took place, which came to be known as the "Catacombs."
1787-1814: The bones from the parochial cemeteries of Paris were shifted to the catacombs.
1809: The ossuary was opened to the public.
1810-1814: Ossuary was rearranged by Inspector Héricart de Thury.
2002: Catacombs were attached to the Carnavalet Museum – History of Paris, which continues to promote the site.
The Ossuary
The ossuary is the most integral part of the Catacombs, and it is vital as it gives its vivid description in an article that reads 'Everything You Need to Know about Catacombs of Paris.
Once the bones from different cemeteries were brought to the Catacombs, the underground structure was nothing but a mine filled with loosely stacked bones. Before being opened to the public in 1809, Inspector Héricart de Thury transformed the site using a monumental approach and made it look organized and tourist worthy. As you enter the ossuary, the scale of the catacombs seems clear where both the sides of the wall are assembled with the skulls and bones of the dead. The main part of the ossuary is marked with a stone inscription reading "Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort" (Stop! This is the Empire of the Dead). Also, you can find walls of bones stacked right up to the ceiling.
The Architecture
Next on the list of everything you need to Know about Catacombs of Paris is the architecture of the structure. The transformation of the catacombs from a limestone tunnel to a tourist attraction can clearly be considered one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the era. The design and layout were intricately drawn by Architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. A lot of inspiration was drawn from ancient Greece.
The two pavilions on the site are built on four levels: the ground floor, the first floor, the mezzanine, and the attic. There is a central staircase that leads to a porch with 3 arcades on unsupported Tuscan columns which alternated cubic, plain and cylindrical drums. The site is filled with great details like the main entrance, also called the "Gate of Hell."
Things to Do Near Catacombs of Paris
This attraction is considered one of the most significant achievements of Gothic architecture according to the Catacombs of Paris guide. The Sainte Chapelle is one of the world's most extensive in-situ collections of 13th-century stained glass. Its construction began sometime after 1239 and was commissioned by King Louis IX to house his collection of Passion Artefacts, including the great Christ's Crown of Thorns, one of the most important antiques from mediaeval Christendom. Even though the structure was damaged during the french revolution, it was restored carefully in the 19th century.
Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and the Seine river cruise is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner in the city. The beautiful Seine runs nearly 800 km through France on its way to the English Channel. You can enjoy the slow ride as the cruise winds through the magical city, crossing notable places like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. The one-hour-long cruise is the perfect way to marvel at the glowing city of lights and enjoy time with your loved ones from the clean waters of the river.
You must be aware of the artwork of Leonardo da Vinci called "Mona Lisa." Well, it is one of the many great exhibits that reside in the Louvre Museum. It is the world's most visited museum. It holds a collection of more than 1 million objects of great historical significance. Be it the famous works of Leonardo da Vinci, paintings of Michelangelo, or the great Greek statue, "Venus of Milo." The place has it all. The exterior structure is equally remarkable; the signature glass pyramid marking the museum entrance in the middle of a lush green garden is a sight to adore.
Be it a guide to explore Paris or a Catacombs of Paris guide, both are incomplete without the mention of the Eiffel tower. The structure stands more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) tall in the Champ de Mars park; this iron structure was made for the 1889 World Exposition. You can enjoy the extravagant Eiffel Tower light show, ride the elevator to witness incredible views of the city from the top, or have a romantic dinner in a nearby restaurant with the Eiffel in the background sparkling with lights.
The Palace of Versailles is another architectural marvel which includes the Grand Gardens and the royal structure which people all across the globe come to see. Its colossal structure is ornate, opulent, and exudes richness makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the entire city. If you are aware of the french revolution, you must be familiar with the importance of the Palace of Versailles to French history. It is also the home to the magnificent Hall of Mirrors with its 357 mirrors decorating 17 arches.
Isn't it great to see great kings' palaces with their royal architecture, intricate designs, and every tiny detail that makes you feel majestic. The Conciergerie is such a palace that served as the French kings' main palace. Unlike other grand palaces, it's Great Hall was one of the largest in Europe. The monument holds a classic variety of huge halls, a few prisons, and some very artistic interiors. Make sure to add this to your list of tourist attractions to see in Paris.
The Pantheon Paris is a site where famous french personalities are buried and is modelled after the Pantheon in Rome. The structure was originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and her relics. Later on, during the French revolution, it was changed into a mausoleum to pay respect to the martyrs. The neoclassical style of the building looks great in broad daylight and serves as a great spot for pictures. You'll be surprised to know that people like Marie Curie, Voltaire, and more are buried in the Pantheon.
If you geek out on history, you must visit the buildings of Les Invalides. The place was the hotspot for rioters to obtain weapons that helped start the French Revolution. Les Invalides is a wide network of military museums and a church that is the burial site of its war heroes. In this very church, you will find the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Paris is home to excellent museums, and the Musee Rodin is one of them. The museum and the adjoining garden area are filled with statues sculpted by Auguste Rodin, a famous early 20th-century French artist. The museum also homes the renowned sculpture called 'The Thinker.'
The Homme museum is located in the Passy wing of the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. The place was inaugurated in 1938. Unlike other museums, the Homme museum focuses on a unique concept. The aim of the exhibitions in this museum is to gain a good understanding of what it means to be human, our origins, our place among other forms of life, and to explore our scope for adaptation to the new world. No wonder why it is also called the museum of mankind.
Most of the museums in the list circle mostly around French history, but the Musée du Quai Branly one features the indigenous art and cultures of Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. If you finish the Catacombs tour early, you should pay a small visit to the museum.
No trip is complete without a set of aesthetic pictures in our phone gallery, and let us all accept that sunrise pictures are a great addition to any gallery. If you want to see the sunrise in Paris, there is no better spot than Trocadéro. From here, you can see the sun rising behind the Eiffel tower. Imagine the first light of the day falling on the Eiffel tower as it stands out from a reddish-pink skyline. There are plenty of places for you to visit in ‘city of lights’ which is why it is recommended to get an overview of everything you need to know about Catacombs of Paris before heading.
Know Before You Go to the Catacombs of Paris
By Metro: The Denfert-Rochereau is the nearest station to the catacombs. You can take the metro lines 4 and 6 and get off at Denfert-Rochereau, from where it is a mere three-minute walk to the Catacombs. You can also take the metro to Alésia station near the Catacombs (4-6 minutes walk).
By RER: If you are travelling from down North, you can take the suburban train line RER B that connects Charles de Gaulle airport in the North to Paris city center, and the only airport in South. This train stops at Denfert-Rochereau as well, from where you can walk to your destination. If you want a ride with fewer stops, taking RER B from Chatelet-Les-Halles station is the best choice. It takes only 3 stops to reach the Catacombs.
By Bus: Make a note that bus line number 38 and 68 stop near the Catacombs.
Timings:Tuesday to Sunday : 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.The ticket window closes at 7:30 p.m.
Duration of Visit:The average time spent by the tourists here is 1 hour according to the Catacombs of Paris guide.
Closed: The Catacombs are closed on Monday and on certain holidays including January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Last Admission: The ticket window of the Paris Catacombs closes at 7:30 pm.
There is usually a big queue near the ticket counter every day as only 200 people are allowed to enter at a time, so avoid standing in a queue for long. Follow the Catacombs of Paris guide and visit the place a little early to get ahead in the line.
You also book online slots to entirely skip the queue and enjoy the benefit of deals and discounts on your ticket
A good chunk of visitors are unaware that millions of bones are in the long strip of tunnels of the Paris catacombs. So make sure you explore that side.
You will need to do some walking while exploring the Catacombs of Paris. The entire stretch is 2 km long. You must wear a good pair of shoes to avoid injury on the slippery and uneven road. Also, it is advisable to carry a jacket as it can cold down these tunnels.
FAQs
When were Paris catacombs built?
The construction of the catacombs started in 1785, and it was named as Saints-Innocents cemetery. Later on April 7, 1786, the site was consecrated as the "Paris Municipal Ossuary." From that same date, the famous underground burial site got the mythical name "Catacombs," Also, from 1809, the Catacombs of Paris were opened to the public by appointment.
Who is buried in the Paris catacombs?
The citizens of Paris, especially from the 14th-18th century, are buried in the Paris catacombs. Some of the famous people buried in these catacombs are Molière, Peter Abelard and HéloïseEugène Delacroix, Jacques-Louis David, Frédéric Chopin, Honoré de Balzac, Georges Bizet, Marcel Proust, Georges Seurat, Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, and more.
Are the skulls in the catacombs real?
Yes, the skulls and the bones in the catacombs are 100% real.
Who made the catacombs under Paris?
The Catacombs of Paris were at first limestone tunnels that were formed by mining. These sites were then turned into burial grounds in 1785. The proper renovation was done by Inspector Héricart de Thury from 1810-1814.
What are Paris Catacombs hours?
The tourists can visit this place within the time slot of 9.45 am to 8:30 pm. It is open on all days except for Mondays and on certain holidays including January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Where is the Paris Catacombs entrance?
The visitors' entrance is located at:1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau) 75014 Paris
What is the best time to visit the Paris Catacombs?
To avoid the rush, visit the Paris Catacombs between October to May. These months are considered off-season in the Paris tourist calendar and are the best time to visit Catacombs of Paris.
How many steps to go down to the Paris Catacombs?
In the Paris Catacombs, there are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up.
How do I get to the Paris Catacombs?
You reach the Catacombs via metro, train, and bus. Information mentioned below is everything you need to know about Catacombs of Paris.
By Metro:You can take the metro lines 4 and 6 and get off at Denfert-Rochereau, from where it is a mere three-minute walk to the Catacombs.
By RER:If you are travelling from down North, you can take the suburban train line RER B that connects Charles de Gaulle airport in the North to Paris city center, and the only airport in South. This train stops at Denfert-Rochereau as well, from where you can walk to your destination. If you want a ride with fewer stops, taking RER B from Chatelet-Les-Halles station is the best choice. It takes only 3 stops to reach the Catacombs.
By Bus: Hop on bus line number 38 and 68 stop near the Catacombs.
Why should you visit the Paris catacombs?
The Paris Catacombs are the world's Largest Underground Necropolis. Plus, these are located in the real hidden parts of Paris. The place is filled with the context of history and displays a brilliant show of ancient Greece-inspired architecture.
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