Visit the Paris catacombs is one of the city’s most eerie and fascinating attractions, featuring tunnels lined with the remains of over six million people. Here you’ll find the highlights of a regular visit, legends about the catacombs, off-limits tunnels and cataphiles, their secret entrances and those who’ve lost their way.
Tip: For more information click on Catacombs of Paris, a social mixte for 6 millions Parisians.
Practical information to Visit the Paris catacombs
The visitors’ entrance is located in the 14th arrondissement at:
1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy (place Denfert-Rochereau)
75014 Paris
Tunnels are 20 meters below the street
Suitcases and large bags are not allowed. Only bags measuring less than 40×30 cm are allowed
Access : Metro line 4 and 6 – RER B: Denfert-Rochereau – Bus: 38, 68 – Paid parking: Boulevard Saint-Jacques – Velib’: 2, avenue René-Coty
Restrooms : There are restrooms at the entrance and at the exit. None in the tunnels.
Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 9.45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; last admissions at 7:30 p.m.Open on July 14, August 15, November 1 and November 11. Closed on Monday and certain holidays: January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Visit: Duration 45 minutes – 1.5 kilometer circuit is one-way only. Entrance at 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy and exit at 21 bis, Avenue René-Coty – Constant temperature: 14°C – 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb up (The site is not wheelchair accessible)
Prohibition to touch the works, bones and surroundings applies to everyone, including the sight disabled.
BOOKING recommended : click on Catacombs of Paris
Key points of interest of the visit the Paris catacombs
The Entrance & Spiral Staircase to visit the Paris catacombs: Located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, the entrance leads to a 131-step descent into the tunnels, setting the mood for the journey.
The Quarry Galleries: Before reaching the ossuary, you’ll walk through former limestone quarries that once supplied the city’s buildings. Look for old quarry signs and reinforcements.
The Ossuary Entrance – “Stop! This is the Empire of Death”. A famous inscription warns visitors before entering the ossuary: “Arrête ! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.” (Stop! This is the empire of death). This marks the transition into the area where human bones are arranged in artistic formations.
The Barrel of Passion (Le Puits de Passion): A striking feature made of stacked skulls and tibias in a circular shape.
The Crypt of Sacellum: One of the most famous areas, featuring a pilaster of skulls and bones arranged in a cross shape.
The Sarcophagus of Gilbert: A tombstone dedicated to François Gilbert, a quarry inspector, marking one of the only individual burials.
The Fountain of the Samaritan Woman: A small underground water source, once used by quarry workers, giving insight into the tunnels’ history.
The Port-Mahon Sculptures: Sculptures carved into the rock by a quarryman named Décure, depicting the Port-Mahon fortress in Menorca, Spain.
The Secret Chambers and Graffiti: Throughout the catacombs, you’ll find old graffiti from the French Revolution and World War II, as well as hidden passages used by clandestine explorers (cataphiles).
The Exit: After about 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking, you’ll exit at Rue Rémy Dumoncel, a different location from the entrance.
Tips for Visiting:
Book tickets online to skip long lines – Click on BOOKING Catacombs.
The temperature is around 14°C (57°F) year-round—bring a jacket!
There are no restrooms underground.
Large bags are not allowed inside.
Legends and stories associated with the visit of the Paris Catacombs?
The Catacombs of Paris are filled with eerie legends and chilling stories. Here are some of the most famous myths, urban legends, and real-life mysteries surrounding the underground tunnels:
1. The Disappearing Man (Philibert Aspairt’s Ghost)
One of the most well-known ghost stories is about Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper at the Val-de-Grâce hospital nearby.
In 1793, he entered the Catacombs through an unknown passage—possibly searching for hidden liquor stores—and got lost in the darkness.
His body was found 11 years later, near an exit, identified by his hospital keyring.
His ghost is said to haunt the Catacombs, appearing as a shadowy figure guiding or misleading visitors.
2. The Mysterious Video Tape
In the 1990s, a group of cataphiles (illegal urban explorers) discovered an abandoned video camera deep inside the tunnels.
The camera contained footage of a man wandering through the tunnels alone, clearly lost, as his breathing becomes panicked.
The video abruptly ends, and the man was never found.
Some believe he disappeared forever, while others say he might have gone mad from isolation and darkness.
3. The Midnight Chanting
Many explorers and security guards have reported hearing ghostly voices deep within the tunnels, especially near the ossuary.
Some claim that at midnight, a whispering chant can be heard echoing through the tunnels.
A legend warns that if you hear the chanting and follow it, you will become disoriented and never find your way out.
4. The Secret Societies and Cults
The Catacombs are known to be used by clandestine groups, but some believe they host darker gatherings.
In 2004, Parisian police found a fully equipped underground cinema in the Catacombs, with a bar and restaurant.
Stranger still, they found ritualistic symbols and what appeared to be an altar used for occult ceremonies.
No one knows who built it or why, and after authorities returned days later, everything had vanished.
5. The Catacombs’ Second Entrance to Hell
An urban legend suggests that the Catacombs hold a hidden passage to Hell.
Some explorers claim to have seen shadowy figures moving in the dark.
Others say if you take a wrong turn, you might find yourself in an endless loop of identical tunnels, as if the Catacombs are warping time and space.
6. The Phantom of the Catacombs
Some explorers have claimed to see a tall, cloaked figure with glowing eyes lurking in the tunnels.
The entity is said to watch visitors from a distance but disappears when approached.
Some believe it is a guardian of the dead, ensuring no one disturbs the spirits.
7. Napoleon’s Secret Meeting
A lesser-known legend suggests that Napoleon Bonaparte once used the Catacombs for a secret military meeting.
He supposedly led his officers through the tunnels to plan a covert operation, using the underground passages to move troops unnoticed.
8. The “Lost Concert” of the French Revolution
During the French Revolution, rebels supposedly held secret meetings in the Catacombs.
One legend tells of a ghostly orchestra that can sometimes be heard playing deep underground—believed to be the souls of revolutionaries who perished in the tunnels.
Would you dare explore the restricted tunnels where some of these stories originated? Not included in the Visit the Paris catacombs!
The restricted areas of the Catacombs, known as the “off-limits” tunnels, are legendary among urban explorers (cataphiles). Here’s what you need to know before even considering an adventure into these hidden parts (Not included in the visit of the Paris Catacombs):
What’s Inside the Forbidden Tunnels?
Beyond the official tourist path (about 1.5 km), the Catacombs extend for over 300 km beneath Paris. These hidden tunnels contain:
Endless bone-lined corridors untouched for centuries.
Secret rooms with eerie graffiti, sculptures, and old inscriptions.
Flooded passageways and underground lakes.
Abandoned bunkers used during World War II.
Illegal underground bars and meeting places known only to a select few.
Why Are They Off-Limits?
Paris authorities strictly prohibit access to these areas because:
The tunnels are extremely dangerous (collapsing sections, deep pits, and getting lost).
There is zero light—without proper gear, you could be trapped in total darkness.
Oxygen levels can be dangerously low in deeper sections.
Law enforcement patrols, and if caught, you can face a fine of €60–€135 (not the worst, but still risky).
The Underground Subculture: The “Cataphiles”
Despite the risks, cataphiles (urban explorers of the Catacombs) navigate these tunnels illegally. They:
Use hidden entrances in metro stations, sewers, and private basements.
Map the tunnels themselves and leave coded markings.
Have underground parties, some in candlelit rooms with DJs and drinks.
Even have their own rumored leaders and secret societies.
Some secret locations only known to Cataphiles:
. The “Beach” – A large underground chamber with sand and a makeshift lounge.
. The Room of Lost Souls – A section with ancient bones arranged in disturbing shapes.
. The Chapel of Bones – An altar built entirely from human skulls.
Real Stories from Explorers
A man named “Axel” claimed he found a massive underground library, filled with books covered in dust. When he returned, the room had disappeared.
A group of explorers once heard faint laughter and footsteps following them, but they were alone.
One explorer swore he saw a hooded figure standing still in the darkness—it didn’t move, even when he shined a flashlight on it.
Would You Still Dare to Go?
If you do, you’ll need:
A headlamp + backup flashlight
A detailed underground map (not the tourist version!)
Enough food & water (people have gotten lost for days)
A good reason to be there if police find you 😆
Finding an entrance to the restricted Catacombs is tricky because the authorities regularly seal them off, and cataphiles constantly discover new ones. But if you’re seriously considering it (for research purposes, of course 😉), here’s what you need to know.
How to Find a Secret Entrance
WARNING: These entrances are illegal and can lead to serious consequences.
There are three main types of underground access points:
1️⃣ Manholes & Sewer Access
Some entrances are hidden in the streets of Paris, often disguised as normal sewer access points.
Known past locations include areas near Montparnasse Cemetery and Rue de la Tombe-Issoire.
Some manholes are welded shut, but a few have loose bolts (cataphiles sometimes mark them with symbols or scratches).
2️⃣ Metro & Abandoned Stations
Certain Paris Metro tunnels connect to the Catacombs, particularly older lines with unused sections.
Stations like Porte d’Orléans and Denfert-Rochereau have had known entry points in the past.
Some cataphiles use maintenance doors inside metro stations to slip underground.
3️⃣ Private Basements & Buildings
Some old buildings and bars have hidden access points in their basements.
There are rumors that a few restaurants and hotels near Montparnasse have trapdoors leading into the tunnels.
If you know the right people (or have a friendly cataphile guide), this might be the safest way in.
Once Inside: How Not to Get Lost
The Catacombs are a massive labyrinth—people have genuinely disappeared. If you do go in:
Mark your path with chalk or string.
Use a detailed catacombs map (not tourist maps, real explorer maps).
Stick to well-traveled areas (unless you want to get lost).
Famous landmarks inside the forbidden Catacombs:
1. The Port-Mahon Sculptures (deep underground, carved by a 1700s quarry worker).
2. The Crypt of Lost Souls (a room supposedly cursed).
3. The Underground Amphitheater (a massive hidden hall where cataphiles have parties).
The Risks and Why You Should Be Careful
Getting lost → No phone signal, pitch darkness, and hundreds of tunnels.
Police patrols → If caught, you face a fine of €60–€135 (or worse if you damage anything).
Collapses & floods → Some tunnels are unstable, and parts of the Catacombs can flood suddenly.
Creepy encounters → Many explorers report weird figures or unexplained sounds down there.
Final Tip: Who to Ask to explore off-limits tunnels?
If you’re determined to explore tunnels outside the normal visit of the catacombs, your best bet is to connect with local cataphiles.
Online forums (Reddit, Discord, underground exploration groups).
Some urban explorers in Paris offer private tours—but you need the right contacts.
Occasionally, bars in Paris known for their underground culture have people who know the way in.
Have any cataphiliacs actually got lost and died in the catacombs?
There are real cases of people getting lost in the Paris Catacombs, and a few have even died in the tunnels. The labyrinth is over 300 km long, completely dark, and disorienting, so it’s easy to see how things can go horribly wrong. Here are some of the most infamous cases:
1️⃣ The Mysterious Death of Philibert Aspairt (1793)
The most famous documented death in the Catacombs is that of Philibert Aspairt, a doorkeeper at the nearby Val-de-Grâce hospital.
In 1793, he entered the tunnels alone through an unknown passage.
He was believed to be searching for hidden liquor stores in the underground caverns.
He got lost in the pitch-black tunnels and couldn’t find his way out.
His skeleton was found 11 years later (in 1804), just a few meters from an exit.
His grave is now marked in the Catacombs, and some say his ghost still roams the tunnels, guiding—or misleading—those who enter. But this is part of the legend!
2️⃣ The “Lost Video Tape” Legend (1990s)
A group of cataphiles exploring deep within the Catacombs allegedly discovered a video camera left behind by a missing explorer.
The footage shows a man wandering through the tunnels alone, getting increasingly panicked.
His breathing becomes erratic, and he starts running, seemingly being chased by something unseen.
The video suddenly cuts off, and the man was never found.
Some say it’s just an urban legend, but others claim the footage was real and that the Catacombs might have claimed another victim. Facts or legend?
3️⃣ Two Teenagers Trapped for Three Days (2017)
In June 2017, two teenage boys (aged 16 and 17) snuck into the restricted Catacombs through an unknown entrance.
They got lost and were trapped underground for three days.
With no food, no water, and near-hypothermia (temperatures stay at 14°C / 57°F), they were in critical condition when found.
Search dogs were used to locate them, saving their lives just in time.
Had they not been found, they could have easily died in the tunnels.
4️⃣ The Forgotten Workers of the 1800s
During the 19th century, workers maintaining the underground quarries would sometimes vanish.
Some were killed in collapses, their bodies left buried beneath the rubble.
Others reportedly wandered too deep and were never seen again.
To this day, it’s unknown how many people may still be buried deep in the Catacombs, forgotten by time.
5️⃣ Other Rumored Cases
There are many undocumented stories of people disappearing in the Catacombs:
Some cataphiles claim to have found human remains in deeper sections, far beyond the official tour routes.
Occasional reports of missing persons in Paris suggest some may have entered the tunnels and never returned.
Some illegal parties in the Catacombs have ended with people getting separated from the group and struggling to find their way back.
The Real Danger: Why People Get Lost
The part of Catacombs off the limits of the regular visit of the Paris Catacombs, are a death trap for the unprepared:
No light → Once your flashlight dies, you’re in complete darkness.
No GPS / phone signal → You cannot call for help.
Hundreds of kilometers of tunnels → It’s easy to take a wrong turn and never find your way out.
Low oxygen levels in deeper sections → Breathing can become difficult.
Flooded areas & sudden cave-ins → Some sections are extremely dangerous.
Final Warning: Would You Survive?
If you ever enter the off-limits Catacombs, you should:
Bring extra flashlights & batteries (your life depends on it).
Go with experienced explorers (never alone).
Mark your path with chalk or string.
Have an emergency exit plan.
But even then… people still get lost. Would you take the risk, or do these stories make you think twice ?
Bonus
Cataphiles don’t limit their explorations to the catacombs alone. They also defy the ban on unauthorized access to the “Grand réseau sud” (GRS). It is a network of underground galleries located beneath the 14th (where is the entry location of the catacombs) , 15th, 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris. It originally consisted of a multitude of former quarries, consolidated by pillars, backfilled and then linked by galleries often masoned by quarry inspectors in the 19th century.
Together, these galleries measure over 100 km in length , or two-thirds of the quarry galleries still present beneath the capital. Some of these sections have been converted for a wide variety of uses, from bunkers and breweries to air-raid shelters and wine cellars.