Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
by City Wonders
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€498Overview
This small-group tour in Paris lasts about two hours and is led by a local English-speaking guide. The visit begins at the main entrance of the Paris Catacombs, marked by the inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” The guide leads the group through the extensive underground tunnels and galleries, which contain the remains of over six million Parisians. Unlike standard tours, this one includes VIP access to restricted areas normally closed to the public. Participants will see exclusive sites such as the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before being placed in the tunnels. The tour also visits Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker carved sculptures over several years. Other points of interest include the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, which once indicated safe air quality for workers. Throughout the tour, the guide explains the history and stories connected to the catacombs and the underground network beneath Paris. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia or those using strollers. Gratuities, food, beverages, and hotel transfers are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
The Paris Catacombs
The guide leads the group through about 200 miles of bone-lined tunnels, including remains of over 6 million former Parisians and notable figures like Rabelais and Robespierre. The visit starts at the entrance marked by the inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” The tour goes beyond public routes to hidden sites such as Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker carved sculptures over five years before a cave-in. The group also sees the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose flame signaled safe air for workers. The guide shares history, legends, and details about this underground network 65 feet below Paris.
120 min
Meeting point
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
End point
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
by City Wonders
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€498Overview
This small-group tour in Paris lasts about two hours and is led by a local English-speaking guide. The visit begins at the main entrance of the Paris Catacombs, marked by the inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” The guide leads the group through the extensive underground tunnels and galleries, which contain the remains of over six million Parisians. Unlike standard tours, this one includes VIP access to restricted areas normally closed to the public. Participants will see exclusive sites such as the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before being placed in the tunnels. The tour also visits Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker carved sculptures over several years. Other points of interest include the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, which once indicated safe air quality for workers. Throughout the tour, the guide explains the history and stories connected to the catacombs and the underground network beneath Paris. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia or those using strollers. Gratuities, food, beverages, and hotel transfers are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
The Paris Catacombs
The guide leads the group through about 200 miles of bone-lined tunnels, including remains of over 6 million former Parisians and notable figures like Rabelais and Robespierre. The visit starts at the entrance marked by the inscription “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” The tour goes beyond public routes to hidden sites such as Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker carved sculptures over five years before a cave-in. The group also sees the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose flame signaled safe air for workers. The guide shares history, legends, and details about this underground network 65 feet below Paris.
120 min
Meeting point
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
End point
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.