Are you allowed to go into the Paris catacombs?

Are you allowed to go into the Paris catacombs? Only a small section of the catacombs is open to the public. The labyrinth of underground tunnels is massive and spreads over 150 miles below Paris. In 1809, a section of the catacombs was opened to the public, who could access it by appointment.

How do you skip the line at the Paris catacombs?

A popular misconception is that going early is the best tactic to avoid lines. In fact, the best time to visit the Catacombs is around 6pm. Reserve your Catacombs quick-access ticket online for a shorter wait. Catacombs in Paris is open every Tuesday – Sunday.

Is it cold in the catacombs?

The Paris catacombs are a cool 14 Celsius / 57 Fahrenheit year-round, and often a bit damp as well, so this isn't the place for sundresses! Opt for comfortable shoes to navigate the slightly uneven terrain, and bring a jacket for comfort.

What famous person was buried in the catacombs?

Among the many anonymous people who rest in the catacombs, there are some celebrities from French history such as Nicolas Fouquet (Louis XIV's superintendent of finance), Colbert, Rabelais, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Racine, Blaise Pascal, Maral, Lully, Danton, Robespierre, Lavoisier but also the 1343 people guillotined ...

Why do the Paris catacombs exist?

The history of the Paris Catacombs starts in the late eighteenth century, when major public health problems tied to the city's cemeteries led to a decision to transfer their contents to an underground site.

What are the rules regarding catacombs?

a bit of discipline never hurt anyone! To ensure preservation of the site, you must not eat or drink on the site circuit, and animals are not allowed. Any kind of alcohol is prohibited. And, of course, you must not touch the bones, which are the fragile remains of millions of Parisians.

Can you enter the Paris catacombs for free?

Unfortunately, the Paris Catacombs are not free. Tickets must be purchased for entry. While the cost can vary, it's important to note that the price includes access to the fascinating world beneath the city, which once were limestone quarries.

Do the catacombs smell?

However, the strong smell of the Paris catacombs is apparently what all the initial signs were warning sensitive visitors about. At best, it could be likened to the dusty, incense-infused scent of old stone churches, but with an underlying malaise that can only be attributed to the contents of multiple cemeteries.

When was the last person buried in the catacombs?

In 1789, Paris, France, the world, the course of history was rocked by the French Revolution. From around this date, people were buried directly in the catacombs. This came to an end in 1860 when people ceased to be buried in the catacombs.

Can you legally go to Paris catacombs?

Today, the only legal place to visit this underground realm is the Paris Catacombs, a nearly mile-long stretch in the 14th arrondissement that takes its name from the famous ossuary housed there.

When did entering the catacombs become illegal?

A good guide is indispensable, and many guides occasionally refer to a map. Because of these dangers, accessing the catacombs without official escort has been illegal since 2 November 1955.

Did they film as above so below in the catacombs?

Production. With permission from the French authorities the film was shot in the real catacombs of Paris. There was very little use of props, as the actors had to use the environment around them.

Do Paris catacombs sell out?

How far in advance do you need to buy your tickets. The tickets for the Catacombs are often sold out super quickly as the attraction has a limited capacity of 200 visitors per day. On the official website, you can only buy them 1 week in advance BUT you can buy them a couple of weeks in advance on the ticket resellers.

How many people died in catacombs?

The Paris Catacombs have a fascinating history which dates back to ancient times, and is the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians.

Can you touch the bones in the catacombs?

To ensure preservation of the site, you must not eat or drink on the site circuit, and animals are not allowed. Any kind of alcohol is prohibited. And, of course, you must not touch the bones, which are the fragile remains of millions of Parisians.

Are the skulls in the catacombs real?

Despite the ritual with which they were transferred, the bones had simply been dumped into the tunnels in large heaps. Slowly but surely the quarrymen lined the walls with tibias and femurs punctuated with skulls which form the basis of most of the decorations that tourists see today.