Catacombs of Paris: 10 Things to Be Aware of Before Visiting

If you are ready for a spooky day then head over to the Catacombs of Paris. This is one of the most popular destinations in the city to visit which is evident by its long line. Before you visit the Catacombs of Paris there are 10 important things to be aware of before visiting eerie destination!

Is the Catacombs of Paris safe — © heatherlasweet

Purchase your tickets in advance to Skip the Line

Catacombs in Paris exit and entrance — © cristina_von_dalle

One of the biggest things to be aware of before visiting the Catacombs of Paris is the long line you'll have to wait in if you don’t purchase tickets in advance. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in visiting the Catacombs in Paris that you purchase tickets in advance. Catacombs limits the number of people they allow entering every day and oftentimes you’ll find yourself standing in line for hours with no guarantee of being let in. It’s simple to book your Catacombs tickets in advance online at a starting price of 10 Euros a ticket, plus the best part is you can pick your time and avoid the line.

Less Air and physical demands

Narrow passage ways at the Catacombs in Paris — © djolanta

Because the Catacombs of Paris are underground there is less air and less air flow available to breath. If you are someone who has trouble breathing or prone to panic attacks, then I don’t think Catacombs is a good activity for you.

In addition to less air there are physical demands required of you for walking around Catacombs. You must be able to go up and down stairs, walking on uneven grounds, spend an hour walking without sitting down, and walk through small passageways. They do have an emergency elevator I saw someone use, but it’s only in cases of emergency. Making sure you are wearing a good pair of walking shoes!

Avoid the Catacombs if you’re Claustrophobic

Should you visit the Catacombs of Paris if you don't like small spaces — © **joshua__v**

When visiting the Catacombs of Paris you’ll encounter small passageways, tight corners, and limited space. If you are claustrophobic or fear small spaces you definitely want to avoid the Catacombs. Keep in mind as soon as you go down the Catacombs spiral staircase it’s one way only you won’t be able to leave if you change your mind.

Millions of real bones inside the Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris bone design — © **joshua__v**

The Catacombs in Paris are filled with over 6 million real bones, making it one of the largest graveyards in the entire world. I know this seems obvious, but some people might forget that these are real bones, real human remains that give off a musty type of smell. It’s important that you don’t touch the bones or remains. It’s important to note that you can’t use flash photography which can damage the ancient bones. Photos with your iPhone, camera, GoPro are permitted to be taken.

Where you enter and Exit are in two different locations

Where is the exit to Catacombs in Paris — © cristina_von_dalle

Many people don’t know this, but you enter Catacombs on one side of Paris and exit on another side of Paris. The first time I experienced the Catacombs of Paris, I got extremely turned around and confused. I wasn’t expecting to exit in a different location. The entrance to the Catacombs is 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau) 75014 Paris and the exit is 36 Rue Remy Dumoncel.

Extremely popular around Halloween

When visiting Catacombs of Paris some dates are more popular to visit than others. The most popular time to visit the Catacombs is during Halloween, and tourist season which is during the summer is also a popular time to visit. If you are looking to experience Catacombs with limited people I’d recommend visiting in the early spring or early winter months.

It’s cold insides the Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris fun facts — © cristina_von_dalle

Before you visit the Catacombs of Paris it is important to be aware of the temperate inside the Catacombs is cold, and has a constant temperature of around 57°F (14°C) year round. I highly recommend that if you are the type of person who gets cold easily to pack a sweater, even if you visit during the summer months.

Don’t go off and explore

Can you get lost in the Catacombs of Paris — © cristina_von_dalle

One of the most important things to be aware of before visiting the Catacombs of Paris is that they have blocked off and restricted ares. These areas are blocked off because they aren’t safe to explore. There is only a small rope that blocks off these areas, so it’s tempting to go under them to explore, but it can be very dangerous. I highly recommend that you follow the Catacombs path and don’t go off on your own. You could easily get lost or stuck in the catacombs.

Is there a dress code to visit Catacombs of Paris

Closeup of the Catacombs of Paris bones — © **joshua__v**

The Good news is there is no official dress code to the Catacombs of Paris (Some Catacombs around the world have dress codes). I recommend bringing a sweater or sweater shirt, wearing comfortable clothes to spend an hour walking in, a water bottle, a small snack, and good walking shoes such as the Nike running shoes.

Don’t bring a lot of stuff

When you are visiting the Catacombs of Paris, don’t bring a lot of stuff you have to carry. You will be walking for an hour in small passage ways and it might get uncomfortable for you to carry tons of items. I do recommend that you bring a backpack, with a bottle of water and sweater or sweatshirt in case you get cold.

Final Thoughts on the Catacombs of Paris

Heart Bone design in the Catacombs of Paris — © **velvetvvitch_**

The Catacombs of Paris is such an incredible, unique experience that I recommend if you are visiting Paris. The Catacombs of Paris were created as a solution to the city’s overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century. I’ve visited Catacombs a few times in Paris and every time I go I learn something new. I’d love to hear in the comments, would you to visit the Catacombs of Paris or is it too creepy for you?

Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane