The remains were moved here starting in 1786 to alleviate public health concerns caused by the Les Innocents cemetery.
The ossuary layout was formalized in the early 19th century by Héricart de Thury, who arranged the bones in the aesthetic patterns seen today.
The tunnels were originally excavated to extract limestone used to build major Parisian structures like the Notre Dame Cathedral.
During World War II, the tunnels were used as a headquarters by the French Resistance.
The ossuary contains a 'Sacellum' or chapel area, historically used for religious services during the reburial process.
The site includes a 'Fontaine de la Samaritaine,' a spring that was originally tapped to provide water for workers during the quarrying era.
Famous figures interred here include Charles Perrault, Jean de La Fontaine, and Maximilien Robespierre.
The tunnels are susceptible to collapse, which is why only this specific section is open to the public.
The site was officially consecrated as the 'Paris Municipal Ossuary' on April 7, 1786.
The Catacombs of Paris comprise a 1.5-kilometer subterranean ossuary containing the remains of over six million Parisians. Established in the late 18th century, the site repurposed abandoned limestone quarries to address overflowing city cemeteries. Visitors descend 20 meters underground to navigate narrow, climate-controlled limestone corridors. The ossuary displays walls of human femurs and skulls arranged in decorative, often geometric, patterns. The site represents only a small fraction of the broader 300-kilometer network of Paris's subterranean tunnels. Strict conservation efforts are enforced, including a prohibition on touching the remains. The air temperature remains constant at approximately 14°C year-round. It is managed as a public museum and requires pre-booked timed entry.
The entrance to the ossuary, marked by the sign 'Arrête! C'est ici l'empire de la Mort' (Stop! This is the Empire of Death).
Book your tickets online well in advance, as same-day tickets are rarely available.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, as the floors can be uneven and occasionally damp.
Bring a light sweater or jacket, as the temperature is consistent and cool regardless of the weather above ground.
Do not attempt to enter non-public sections of the tunnel network, which are illegal to access and dangerous. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized street resellers.
Closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Strict no-touching policy regarding the remains. Large bags are prohibited. Respectful behavior is expected as this is a memorial site.
