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Ah, Paris—the City of Lights, romance, and… bones? After spending a couple of days soaking up Parisian life (and maybe a few too many croissants), we were ready to dive into one of the city’s most unique and haunting attractions: the Paris Catacombs. This underground labyrinth, lined with the remains of millions of Parisians, had been on our radar from the moment we landed. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Ready to journey with us beneath the surface? Let’s go!
Meet Leo, Our Resident Cataphile and Bone Whisperer
We knew that the Paris Catacombs would be a busy destination and that it is something that we would need to buy tickets for, we did not want a self-guided tour because TBH I know zero about why the catacombs are there. Enter our tour guide Leo, a self-proclaimed “Cataphile.”
For those new to the term (as I was), a Cataphile is someone who loves exploring Paris’s underground labyrinth. Leo brought the tunnels to life with her knowledge, sharing tidbits about their creation, how the remains were transported, and the fascinating culture of this subterranean world.
Her favorite spot? A bone drop—a hole once used to transfer remains directly into the tunnels from above. While the logistics of this process remain a mystery (were the bones tossed down in sacks or suitcases? She didn’t say), the historical ingenuity is undeniable.
A City Overflowing: The Startling Story Behind the Catacombs
In the late 18th century, Paris faced a gruesome problem: its cemeteries were overflowing. Public health was at risk, and something drastic had to be done. The solution? Relocate the remains of millions of Parisians into ancient underground quarries. What began as a practical burial solution evolved into an artistic and historical phenomenon. Today, these tunnels stand as a haunting testament to the city's layered past—literally.
Step by Step Into Darkness: First Impressions of the Catacombs
The adventure begins with a descent down what feels like an eternal spiral staircase—130 steps into the belly of the earth. The air gets cooler, and the walls dampen. When you finally reach the bottom, it’s eerily quiet, with only the crunch of your shoes on the gravel breaking the silence. The dimly lit tunnels stretch on forever, and yeah, it’s a bit creepy. At one point, I even caught myself sniffing the air, half-expecting it to smell like, well… death. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
A Maze of Memories: The Intricate Art of Bones
The catacombs aren’t just random piles of bones—they’re surprisingly artistic. Over time, the workers in the catacombs started to get creative, arranging skulls and femurs into intricate patterns. It was an interesting take on showcasing the bones... I am not sure what the goal was but nevertheless interesting
Another stand out feature is that the signs in the corridors denote the streets above, such as Avenue de Montsouris, helping you realize just how vast and connected these underground passages are. Without a guide, you could easily get lost (and no, you don’t want to be that person).
What You Need to Know Before You Go Underground
Thinking of tackling the catacombs yourself? Here’s what you should know before taking the plunge:
Book a Guided Tour: Guides like Leo provide invaluable context and ensure you don’t wander off into uncharted territory. The catacombs are popular, so book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Dress Comfortably: The catacombs are cold, damp, and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket.
Mind the Narrow Spaces: If you’re claustrophobic, consider this a heads-up—some corridors are tight.
Would You Dare to Descend?
So, what do you think—are the Paris Catacombs a must-see for your next trip to the City of Lights? Or do underground tunnels full of bones sound like your worst nightmare? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s chat about this one-of-a-kind Parisian adventure!
There is just so many things to do in Paris and if you have not already, check out our other Paris tours:
TTYL
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