Paris: Catacombs Special Access Tour

Location: Ile-de-France, France
Country: France
Price: $163 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.7/5 (907 reviews)

When we think of Paris, we often picture the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or charming cafes. But if you’re after something a little darker and truly unique, the Paris Catacombs offer an adventure into the city’s underground bones—and stories—that few travelers get to experience. This special access tour takes you past the usual crowds with skip-the-line entry, into restricted areas, and offers a chance to see a side of Paris that’s both haunting and historically fascinating.

The tour lasts about two hours, with small group sizes (as few as six on select times) making for a more intimate experience. For the price, you get not just a walk through miles of tunnels lined with skulls and femurs, but also an expert guide passionate about sharing the history and secrets of this underground ossuary. The highlight? Access to areas normally closed to the public, including a decorated secret chapel, which adds a layer of exclusivity to your visit.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the exclusive insights from guides who know their bones—literally—and the opportunity to explore restricted zones that reveal the true depth of this civil engineering marvel. It turns the typical “skeleton tour” into a meaningful, storytelling journey. That said, the tour is not suited for everyone—those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or respiratory problems should think twice, as there are 130 steps and narrow passages.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, curious travelers seeking authenticity, and those keen to see the lesser-known parts of the Paris underground. If you love stories told with passion and want to avoid long lines, this experience is well worth considering.

Key Points

• Skip the Lines: Fast-track entry to avoid long waits at the popular site.
• Restricted Access: Explore areas normally off-limits, including a decorated chapel.
• Small Group Sizes: Enhanced experience and more personal attention from guides.
• Expert Guides: Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, making history engaging.
• Authentic Experience: A mix of spooky, fascinating, and educational moments.
• Physical Demands: Expect stairs and narrow tunnels; not wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Visit

The Paris Catacombs span over miles underground, initially built as limestone quarries and later transformed into an ossuary holding the bones of around 6 million Parisians. Our tour begins at the Café du Rendez-Vous, where we check in and meet our guide, who will be holding a green Walks sign. It’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes early so you’re ready to start on time and avoid missing any part of the experience.

The Journey Begins

Once inside, you’ll bypass the lengthy lines that usually snarl the entrance, thanks to skip-the-line access. Our guide, who often shares a background in history, leads us through miles of tunnels lined with bones, elaborating on how they came to be. We learn that the bones represent 2,000 years of history, and that their construction was a major civil engineering effort to manage the city’s cemeteries.

Restricted Areas and Special Access

The real treat? Being taken into reserved sections with special access. Guides open gates that usually remain closed, revealing a secret chapel decorated with skulls and femurs—a surreal sight! Several reviews rave about this exclusive peek, with one traveler noting, “Her love for the catacombs was obvious and made the whole experience even better.” The guide’s enthusiasm really enhances the story, making it more than just a walk among bones.

The Ornate Bone Decorations

Each chamber unveils more macabre yet intricate bone arrangements, some quite ornate, resembling art made from skulls and femurs. Our guide explains how these arrangements reflect Parisian history, beliefs, and even the civil projects that made the ossuaries possible.

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The Physical Experience

Prepare yourself for 130 stairs both down and up, with narrow passages that may challenge those sensitive to tight spaces. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and there’s no elevator. There are no toilets or cloakroom facilities at the site, so plan accordingly. Small bags are allowed but must be under 55cm x 35cm x 20cm, which is a good tip for anyone wanting to bring a camera or light jacket.

The End of the Tour

The tour wraps up back at the entrance, with plenty of time to ask questions, reflect on the stories, or just take a moment to appreciate the eerie silence of the underground. Tour guides often share tips on how to get to your next destination or recommend local restaurants nearby.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

The reviews consistently praise the guides’ passion, knowledge, and friendliness. Many travelers mention how the special access made the tour more memorable—whether it’s the decorated chapel or hidden corners away from the usual route. The value is clear: for $163, you’re not just seeing bones but gaining an insider’s perspective of one of Paris’s most intriguing sites.

A phrase repeated in several reviews is “knowledgeable guides,” which really highlights the importance of a good storyteller when exploring such a dark, complex site. Guides like Leo, Amber, and Jonny are repeatedly praised for their enthusiasm and ability to answer questions. This makes the experience more engaging and helps turn a spooky underground walk into an educational journey.

The Tour’s Strengths

• The small group size ensures you’re not a mere face in the crowd. It enhances interaction and allows for a more relaxed pace.
• Special access areas elevate the tour beyond standard tickets, turning it into a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse.
• The enthusiasm of guides is contagious, making the bones come alive with stories, civil engineering feats, and historical context.
• The timing options (1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM) with fewer participants make for a more personal and immersive experience.

Considerations for Travelers

While this tour is packed with fascinating content, it’s not suitable for everyone. The 130 steps, tight tunnels, and absence of wheelchair access** mean some visitors might find it physically challenging or uncomfortable. Plus, there are no restroom facilities at the site, so plan accordingly. If you’re prone to claustrophobia or have respiratory issues, you may want to pass or consider the standard route.

The price of $163 is on the higher end for a two-hour underground tour, but many reviews suggest that the exclusive access and guide expertise justify the cost. If you’re a history enthusiast or seeking a more intimate, behind-the-scenes experience, this tour offers good value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, curiosity seekers, and adventurous travelers who want to explore beyond the tourist crowds. If you enjoy storytelling, civil engineering puzzles, or the macabre side of history, you’ll find plenty to love. Families with teenagers who can handle stairs and tight spaces find this a memorable highlight—many reviews mention teenagers being engaged and fascinated.

It’s also well-suited for those looking for a more personal experience—the smaller group tours make it easier to ask questions and explore the restricted areas comfortably. However, if you have mobility issues or are uncomfortable in confined spaces, you might prefer a different experience or a standard tour without special access.

The Sum Up

The Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour offers a compelling mix of history, mystery, and exclusivity that few other tours can match. For $163, you’ll gain entry to hidden sections of this subterranean ossuary with knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life, making bones and skulls into a fascinating narrative. The tour’s small-group format ensures an intimate atmosphere where you can ask questions and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

While physically demanding and not suited for everyone, this tour delivers authentic, memorable moments—from decorated chapels to intricate bone arrangements—that elevate it beyond the typical “see bones” experience. It’s especially ideal if you’re after something unique, educational, and slightly spooky that immerses you in Paris’s lesser-known history.

If your curiosity outweighs your claustrophobia, and you’re willing to pay a premium for special access and expert storytelling, this tour is a worthwhile adventure that will leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve left the city of lights.

FAQ: Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It can be for families with teenagers who are comfortable walking and climbing stairs, but it’s not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, due to the stairs and narrow tunnels.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about two hours, including walking and exploration of restricted areas.

What is included in the price?
You get skip-the-line entry, access to special restricted zones, a local guide, and a small group experience.

Are there any facilities at the site?
No, there are no toilets or cloakroom facilities at the Catacombs. Arrive prepared, especially if you need to use the restroom beforehand.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing; small bags are allowed but must be under 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
No, the tour involves 130 steps and narrow tunnels, making it not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexible planning.

This tour strikes a careful balance of history, exclusivity, and adventure—ideal for those looking to see a different side of Paris, with a storyteller guiding you through the bones of the city’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: