Paris: Catacombs Ticket and Seine River Cruise

Imagine walking through tunnels where over six million bones are carefully arranged, and then drifting down the Seine to see Paris’s most iconic landmarks from the water. That’s exactly what this combo tour offers. For $104 per person, you’ll spend around two hours exploring the famous Paris Catacombs followed by a scenic Seine River cruise. The experience is perfect for travelers wanting a mix of eerie history and breathtaking city views.

What’s great about this tour? First, it gives you timed access to the underground labyrinth, allowing you to experience the hauntingly beautiful bones and skulls that tell a story of Paris’s past—something many visitors find fascinating. Second, the Seine River cruise offers a relaxed way to see Paris’s most celebrated monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, all from the comfort of a boat. Plus, both segments include audioguides available in multiple languages, adding depth to your understanding.

A possible snag? The steps in the Catacombs can be quite steep, with 131 descending and 112 ascending, making it less suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Also, the river cruise can get crowded, especially during peak times, which might diminish the serenity of the experience.

This tour suits history buffs, photographers, and anyone eager to see Paris from a different angle. Travelers who enjoy stories behind monuments and aren’t afraid of narrow tunnels will find it especially rewarding. If you’re looking for a value-packed way to combine underground exploration with scenic cruising, this experience hits the spot.

Key Points

• Unique underground visit: Walk through tunnels with bones and skulls arranged with care, revealing Paris’s darker past.
• Scenic water views: See Paris’s famous sights from the Seine, with a flexible cruise timetable.
• Audio-guides included: Enhance your experience with multilingual guides for both activities.
• Convenient combo ticket: Book once and enjoy access to two of Paris’s most distinctive attractions.
• Physical considerations: Be prepared for steep steps and narrow tunnels.
• No luggage storage: Large bags are not allowed, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Paris Catacombs: A subterranean journey

Starting with the Catacombs, you’re in for a mysterious ride beneath the city. Once you receive your timed entry ticket by email, you’ll head to the designated meeting point and show your QR code or ticket. The underground tunnels stretch for miles, but only a portion is open to the public. Descending 131 steps initially, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit maze lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls—a striking display that has both an artistic and macabre flair.

Visitors often comment on the haunting atmosphere — the silence, the shadows, and the history echoing through the tunnels. We loved the way the audioguides (available in Dutch, English, French, and Spanish) provided context without overwhelming, allowing us to explore at our own pace. One reviewer, Morgan from the US, noted, “We enjoyed the catacombs. And it’s nice to be able to do the beautiful Seine at any flexible time.”

The steps can be a challenge, especially for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. The tunnels are narrow, and steep stairs lead down and back up, as Leora from Germany pointed out, “The experience was magical, from a lifelong interest in seeing the intricacies of the catacombs to the evening cruise through Paris.”

What makes the Catacombs special?

It’s not just bones; it’s the story of how Paris dealt with its dead in the 18th century, repurposing abandoned quarry tunnels into an ossuary. The meticulous arrangement of bones makes it more than just a creepy site—it’s almost like an underground sculpture exhibit. Several visitors, such as Luís from Brazil, have remarked that “it is worth the price and the place is amazing.”

The Seine River Cruise: Floating Paris

After emerging into the daylight, the adventure continues on the Seine River. Your ticket, which is valid during the cruise’s operating hours, grants you flexibility—you can hop on at your convenience. The scenic boat gently glides along, offering views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, and more.

Most travelers appreciate the breathtaking views and the romantic atmosphere. Baylee from Canada summed it up: “LOVED the catacombs!! So much history. The Seine cruise was a lovely bonus.” For those who prefer sunset views, Luís from Brazil suggested arriving around 8:00 PM during summer for the best experience, with the right side of the boat often providing the most stunning perspectives.

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The practicalities of the combined tour

The audio guides enhance the experience, explaining landmarks as you pass by. However, some reviews mention the crowd levels during peak hours and the difficulty in finding the boat during busy times, especially if the line is long. Sherry from Canada noted that “buying tickets directly would have been cheaper,” but the convenience of bundled tickets often outweighs the added cost for many travelers.

It’s important to note that the tour does not include transportation to the meeting points, and luggage or large bags are not allowed on the boat or in the tunnels, so plan your packing accordingly.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic views. The depth of the tunnels and the arrangement of bones make it a memorable visit, especially for those interested in the macabre or unique historical sites. The scenic cruise provides a relaxed way to see some of Paris’s most photographed landmarks, with the added bonus of an audioguide ensuring you don’t miss out on important details.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the value for money, citing the combination as a good deal for the richness of what’s offered. As Matthew from New Zealand put it, “The catacombs are fascinating and a must-see. The cruise is a nice bonus.”

Potential drawbacks

While many love the experience, some find the steps and confined spaces difficult. Also, the crowded boat and potential delays might bother those seeking a more tranquil experience. Plus, if you’re not keen on self-guided tours, the reliance on audioguides might feel limiting.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts and adventurous travelers looking for an authentic, slightly eerie experience of Paris. It’s also ideal for people who want to maximize their time by combining two iconic attractions in one ticket. If you’re traveling with teenagers or older kids (who can handle the steps), they’ll find the bones and tunnels fascinating.

However, it’s less suitable for those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, respiratory issues, or pregnant women. If you’re seeking a more relaxed, accessible tour, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This combined ticket for the Catacombs of Paris and Seine River Cruise offers a compelling way to experience the city’s contrasting sides—its dark, underground history and its light-filled, scenic vistas. The value is good for what you get: access to a world-famous ossuary and a relaxing boat ride with scenic views and informative guides.

For travelers craving a memorable story, a peek into Paris’s hidden past, and breathtaking views of the city, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind a bit of walking, steep steps, or narrow spaces. If you’re looking for an authentic and immersive experience that combines history with leisure, this combo is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tunnels involve descending 131 steps and ascending 112 steps, which could be challenging for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia. Large bags are also not permitted, so plan accordingly.

Can I visit the Seine River cruise at any time?
Yes, the cruise tickets are valid during the cruise’s open hours, giving you flexibility to choose a time that suits your schedule.

Are the audioguides available in multiple languages?
Yes, audioguides are offered in Dutch, English, French, and Spanish, allowing you to choose the language you’re most comfortable with.

What should I bring for this tour?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, since there’s a fair amount of walking and stairs. Remember, luggage or large bags are not allowed, so pack light.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Most reviews suggest that combining the Catacombs with the Seine cruise offers good value, especially considering the quality of the experience and the guided context provided.

How crowded does the boat get?
Peak times can mean longer lines and crowded decks. Arriving around sunset during summer might give you a better, less crowded experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially for the timed entry to the Catacombs. Booking a few days ahead is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.

Whether you’re a history lover, a camera enthusiast, or just curious about Paris’s underground secrets, this experience offers a rich and memorable day in the City of Light.

You can check availability for your dates here: