Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour in Paris
Paris, France

Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour

Outty Ranking 74 4.9 · 317 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $190

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$190
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 317 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour worth booking?

Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour is a 2-hour experience in Paris, France, from $190 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 317 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (317)
Duration
2 hours
From
$190 per person

This VIP semi-private tour allows you to skip the long lines and unlock gates to hidden rooms in the Paris Catacombs. Join a small group of 7 people or fewer and an expert local guide, and discover the mysterious secrets

What you get

    About this experience

    This VIP semi-private tour allows you to skip the long lines and unlock gates to hidden rooms in the Paris Catacombs. Join a small group of 7 people or fewer and an expert local guide, and discover the mysterious secrets buried under the streets of Paris.

    What's included

    Included

    • Explore eerie tunnels with an expert guide in an intimate group of 7 or fewer.
    • Experience a unique, VIP journey into one of Paris’s most fascinating underground worlds.
    • Benefit from special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the public
    • Skip long lines and gain exclusive access to hidden rooms beneath Paris’s streets.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pick-up/drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Paris Catacombs

      Explore the hidden world beneath the streets of Paris, on this VIP small group tour of the Catacombs. Follow your guide more than 20 meters below street level, into the shadowy and fascinating world invisible to the locals and visitors strolling the boulevards above. Your guide will lead you along endless tunnels stacked with neat rows of millions of bones, and unlock gates closed to the general public taking into obscure rooms full of surprises. This semi-private VIP tour will ensure you get the most out of this exceptional visit, allowing you to bypass the lines and spend more time enjoying this unique and fragile site. Learn the intriguing tales of those who worked, visited and have been laid to rest here over the centuries, including some who ventured in and never came out again. Hear stories of secret societies that still visit today. Past and present Paris and its inhabitants come to life as you explore the city’s gloomy entrails concealed below the surface.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Paris

    Meet us outside the main entrance gate to the Catacombs. Nearest metro: Denfert Rochereau. Exit at Sortie 1 and you will see the Catacombs entrance gate directly across the street. Your guide will be wearing their guide badge on an orange lanyard.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The catacombs exit is a few blocks away from the entrance, on rue Remy Dumoncel. The nearest metros are Alesia and Mouton Duvernet.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Memories France

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • There are 130 steps to enter the Paris Catacombs and 112 steps to exit.
    • This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
    • The tunnels can be slippery and remain at a temperature of around 14°C/57°F, even in summer. Guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing.
    • Tickets for the Catacombs are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. They must be used with the group at the booked time and their availability is limited. Entry times are also prebooked and are strictly adhered too, we must enter on time. For this reason we are unable to issue refunds to latecomers or no shows for missed tours.
    • If you plan to arrive at the meeting point by taxi, please ensure you leave yourselves plenty of time, it can often take a considerable amount of time to find a taxi in Paris!
    • The Catacombs are 20 meters/65 feet (and more) underground and the tunnels are narrow in places. This tour is not suitable for those with cardiac or respiratory problems, or suffering from claustrophobia.

    Photos

    Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour in Paris, photo 2Access locked rooms with your guideDiscover Décure's amazing sculptureEnter The Empire of Death!Catacombs of ParisCatacombs of Paris

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 319 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    319 verified traveler reviews for Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    299
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    7
    Sort
    F5669CBdavidc · August 2026

    Good tour

    Guy was very informative and easy going.

    Response from the operator: Thank you, David! We're so glad the visit felt so easy and informative throughout, that relaxed approach is exactly what makes a rare experience like the Catacombs feel accessible rather than intense. We'll be sure this feedback reaches the team!

    via Tripadvisor

    Krista_N · August 2026

    Book it!

    I have waited my whole life to get to experience the catacombs. Our guide, Anthony, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I loved how he remembered everyone’s name and made sure to make everyone felt included. Not many guides do this so it made the tour extremely fun. The restricted section was super cool to see and def worth it!

    Response from the operator: Thank you, Krista! There's something special about a place people wait a lifetime to see finally living up to the moment, and it sounds like Anthony made sure it did, right down to remembering everyone's name. We're always so excited to be able to take our small groups into the restricted areas, it really is special, and it's wonderful that it lived up to the wait for you. We'll be sure to pass this along to him!

    via Viator

    Tomas_P · August 2026

    Exploring the Hidden Side of Paris

    Our son was the one who really wanted to visit the Paris Catacombs, and it turned out to be a great choice for all of us. Taking a guided tour made a big difference. We were able to enter areas that are normally closed to visitors without a guide, and our guide shared fascinating stories about the history of the Catacombs and the millions of Parisians whose remains were transferred here. There was also an unexpected bonus - Paris was experiencing 36°C heat that day, while the temperature in the Catacombs stays at around 14°C.

    Response from the operator: Thank you, Tomas! We're so glad your son's idea turned into such a great outing for the whole family, and that Marion's stories about the Catacombs and the millions laid to rest there gave it real depth. That cool 14°C escape from the heat sounds like the perfect unexpected bonus too. We'll be sure to pass this along to her, and we hope you're all having a great time here in Paris!

    via Viator

    Michael_H · August 2026

    Anthony brought the catacombs to life

    We really enjoyed this experience. Our guide Anthony’s enthusiasm and passion for the all things catacombs was infectious, and it really brought the tour alive for my 15 year old daughter. Anthony provided interesting facts and stories and fielded questions ranging over geology, geography, history, and exploration, and getting access to less-seen areas was a real plus.

    Response from the operator: Thank you, Michael! We're so glad Anthony's passion and infectious enthusiasm brought the Catacombs to life, especially for your daughter, teenagers connecting with a tour like this really is something worth celebrating. Fielding questions across geology, geography, history and exploration shows just how far his knowledge stretches, and access to those less-seen areas is exactly what makes this tour so rare. We really appreciate you sharing this and we hope you and your family all had a wonderful time here!

    via Viator

    janebubbly · August 2026

    What a unique experience

    What a unique visit. So fascinating and informative. Part of Paris’s history. I was very pleased to have visited here. Lots of steps which were hard going, but worth the mile long walk through the stacked bones of previous people who lived in Paris.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing this! We're so glad the history and rarity of the Catacombs left such an impression. You're right that it involves a walk and plenty of steps, definitely worth knowing ahead of time. It's a special place and visiting conditions are a bit special too, we try to cover everything on the tour page and we really appreciate you flagging it for other guests too! We hope you had a wonderful time here!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    111
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)79
    Booking momentum (14% weight)75
    Value for money (12% weight)10
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)82
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.

    How much does Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $190 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.

    Is Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 317 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour?

    +

    Around 111 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Catacombs of Paris Small Group Restricted Access Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Paris?

    +

    Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX, Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Paris?

    +

    April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Paris?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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