One of the most famous attractions in Paris has to be the city’s Catacombs. Lying below the elegant city streets, this creepy and fascinating gem, is hidden away and a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Paris and is planning a trip over mid-term break and in the weeks running up to Hallowe’en.
The catacombs back to the late 18th century, when public health problems in the city led to the decision to move the contents of Paris’ cemeteries to an underground site, which was actually just outside the capital at the time. Now absorbed by the bulk of the city, the former Tombe-Issoire quarries under the plain of Montrouge had been established in the 15th century and were subsequently abandoned after major collapses. Part of a large labyrinth of underground tunnels that extended for 800 hectares beneath the city, the quarries provided a perfect, vast space for human remains that was a good distance from the living citizens.
Between 1787 and 1814 bones from the parochial cemeteries of Paris were transported to their new homes further underground, briefly interrupted by the French Revolution. More transfers took place then again in 1840, during urban renovation by Louis-Philippe, and the space was reorganised under the Haussmannian reconfiguration of the city between 1859 and 1860. Officially consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” on April 7th 1786, they came to also take on the name of the “Catacombs” after the Roman catacombs, which had so fascinated people since their discovery.
The catacombs back to the late 18th century, when public health problems in the city led to the decision to move the contents of Paris’ cemeteries to an underground site, which was actually just outside the capital at the time. Now absorbed by the bulk of the city, the former Tombe-Issoire quarries under the plain of Montrouge had been established in the 15th century and were subsequently abandoned after major collapses. Part of a large labyrinth of underground tunnels that extended for 800 hectares beneath the city, the quarries provided a perfect, vast space for human remains that was a good distance from the living citizens.
Between 1787 and 1814 bones from the parochial cemeteries of Paris were transported to their new homes further underground, briefly interrupted by the French Revolution. More transfers took place then again in 1840, during urban renovation by Louis-Philippe, and the space was reorganised under the Haussmannian reconfiguration of the city between 1859 and 1860. Officially consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” on April 7th 1786, they came to also take on the name of the “Catacombs” after the Roman catacombs, which had so fascinated people since their discovery.
From 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the public and it quickly became a popular activity among locals and visitors alike and was visited by the likes of Charles X, Francis I, the Austrian emperor, and Napoleon III and his son. Visiting requirements changed over time but, today, the Catacombs are open to everyone with a whopping 550,000 visitors taking a tour annually. Come wander the creepy bone-lined tunnels for yourself this Hallowe’en and discover a whole new side to Paris and France!
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun, 10am to 8.30pm
Closed on Mondays and January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Tickets:
Adults, €14
Reduced rate for those between 18 and 24 years of age, €12
Free for those under 18.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun, 10am to 8.30pm
Closed on Mondays and January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Tickets:
Adults, €14
Reduced rate for those between 18 and 24 years of age, €12
Free for those under 18.
