Paris: Catacombs With Audio Guide & Optional River Cruise

Beneath the lively streets of Paris lies a hidden underworld known as the Catacombs. This centuries-old ossuary offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s macabre history. With a timed-access entry and an informative audio guide, explorers can wind through the narrow passages lined with millions of human remains. For those seeking an added experience, an optional Seine River cruise provides scenic views and audio commentary. However, the Catacombs tour requires moderate physical fitness, making it unsuitable for certain travelers. Discover the haunting beauty that lies beneath the City of Lights.

Key Points

This tour provides timed-entry access to the Catacombs of Paris, allowing you to skip long queues and explore the underground ossuary at your own pace.
The tour includes an informative audio guide in multiple languages, offering historical insights as you navigate the narrow passageways lined with bones and skulls.
An optional 1-hour Seine River cruise with audio commentary is available, providing a relaxing city view from the water.
The Catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, a unique historical attraction, but the tour may not be suitable for those with physical or medical limitations.
Positive reviews highlight the ease of access and interesting historical stories, though some travelers have reported issues with ticketing at the entrance.

Tour Overview

The Paris Catacombs with Audio Guide is an activity that provides timed access entry to the famous Catacombs of Paris. This allows visitors to explore this underground ossuary at their own pace using an informative audio guide available in French, English, German, and Spanish.

The tour also includes an optional 1-hour Seine River cruise, complete with audio commentary, for those interested in experiencing the city from the waterways.

Located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, the Catacombs are a unique historical attraction that shouldn’t be missed.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 16 reviews, this experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s underground past.

Location and Accessibility

The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement of the city, at 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the site is near public transportation, making it readily accessible for most visitors.

While not recommended for those with claustrophobia or serious medical conditions, the Catacombs do require a moderate level of physical fitness to explore. Visitors should be prepared for the 130-step descent underground and the winding, sometimes narrow, passageways.

Included Experiences

This activity includes several key experiences to enhance visitors’ exploration of the Catacombs. It provides timed-access entry tickets, allowing guests to bypass long queues and immediately begin their descent underground. An audio guide, available in multiple languages, accompanies participants throughout the tour, offering historical commentary and insights into the site’s unique features.

The experience also includes:

An optional 1-hour Seine River cruise with audio commentary, providing a relaxing way to view the city from the water.
Live guides and gratuities, ensuring a seamless and informative journey.
Convenient transfer between the Catacombs and the cruise departure point, minimizing hassle for travelers.

These inclusions create a comprehensive and engaging experience for those eager to uncover the mysteries of the Parisian Catacombs.

Meeting and End Points

Visitors meet at the Catacombs of Paris entry gate to begin their underground exploration, with the Seine River cruise departing from Port De La Bourdonnais, pier number 3 (Bateaux Parisiens at Eiffel Tower foot).

At the end of the experience, guests return to the original meeting point.

The tour provides timed access entry to the Catacombs, where travelers can explore the eerie, historic ossuary using an audio guide available in multiple languages.

For those who opt for the Seine River cruise, they’ll enjoy a 1-hour journey along the iconic waterway, with audio commentary providing insights.

Booking and Tickets

Upon booking the Paris Catacombs with Audio Guide tour, visitors receive confirmation immediately. The tour tickets are then sent via email or WhatsApp the day before the scheduled date, though some travelers have reported issues with accessing their tickets at the Catacombs entrance.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to:

Check your email or WhatsApp for the tickets well in advance.
Save the tickets on your mobile device for easy access.
Arrive at the Catacombs entrance a few minutes early to allow time for any potential ticket access issues.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have offered a mix of feedback on their experiences with the Paris Catacombs tour, highlighting both the positive and areas needing improvement.

Positive reviews praise the tour’s ease of access, interesting historical stories, and great photo opportunities within the catacombs. Many recommend opting for a guided tour to gain more informative insights.

However, some travelers have encountered ticketing issues, with reports of problems accessing their pre-purchased tickets at the site.

Plus, feedback on the optional Seine River cruise portion is mixed, with some noting visibility challenges.

Despite these concerns, the Paris Catacombs remains a must-see attraction, offering a unique historical experience for visitors to the city.

Suitability and Recommendations

The Paris Catacombs tour may not suit all visitors due to its physical and medical requirements. It isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves navigating narrow, confined spaces underground. Those with claustrophobia may also find the experience challenging.

Key considerations for prospective visitors include:

Accessibility limitations for those with mobility issues or medical conditions.
Potential discomfort for those with a fear of enclosed spaces.
The need for a moderate level of physical fitness to navigate the Catacombs.

Exploring the Catacombs

For those able to meet the physical and medical requirements, exploring the Catacombs offers a unique and captivating experience.

Visitors embark on a journey through the underground ossuary, surrounded by the stacked bones and skulls that line the narrow passages. The audio guide provides informative commentary, allowing guests to learn about the history and significance of this eerie subterranean network.

As they descend deeper underground, the atmosphere grows increasingly solemn, transporting visitors back in time. Though not for the faint of heart, the Catacombs present a rare opportunity to witness Paris’ macabre past and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history.

The experience is both unsettling and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Operating Hours of the Catacombs?

The Catacombs of Paris are open from 10am to 8pm every day, except Mondays when they are closed. Last entry is at 7:30pm. Advance tickets are recommended to avoid long wait times.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Catacombs?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Catacombs of Paris. However, flash photography is prohibited as it can damage the delicate ossuary. Guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting other visitors during their experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the Catacombs tour. However, it’s not recommended for young children as the experience may be unsuitable for those with claustrophobia or medical conditions due to the tour’s physical demands.

How Long Does the Catacombs Tour Typically Take?

The Catacombs tour typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete. The actual duration can vary depending on factors like crowd size and the pace of the individual visitor’s exploration.

Can I Bring Large Bags or Luggage on the Tour?

Large bags and luggage are generally not allowed on the Catacombs tour. Visitors are advised to bring only small, personal items they can easily carry. Larger bags or suitcases may not be permitted inside the restricted catacombs area.