
Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 1,110 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas worth booking?
Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas is a 2-hour experience in Paris, France, from €179 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 1,110 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (1,110)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €179 per person
Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes access to areas of the Catacombs that are normally closed to the general public, giving you a deeper and more immersive experience. Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
What you get
- Local English-speaking expert guide
- Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
- Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
- Guided visit of the Paris Catacombs
About this experience
Venture below the avenues and Metro tunnels of Paris and into the Catacombs, whose population of skeletons far outnumbers the living city above. This small-group tour includes access to areas of the Catacombs that are normally closed to the general public, giving you a deeper and more immersive experience. Exclusive sights include the Sacellum Crypt, where bones were blessed before beginning their rest in the tunnels.
What's included
Included
- Local English-speaking expert guide
- Special access to restricted areas closed to general public
- Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
- Guided visit of the Paris Catacombs
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Food/Beverages
What you'll see and do
The Paris Catacombs
Your guide, an English-speaking local expert, will lead your group into the 200-mile labyrinth of bone-lined galleries and former quarry tunnels. At the entrance, an inscription reads, “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort” – “Stop! Here lies the empire of death.” Here, you’ll see remains of dignitaries like Rabelais and Robespierre, among over 6 million former Parisians. While standard visits stick to public routes, your guide takes you beyond the usual path. Discover hidden sites like Gilbert’s Tomb and the Port Mahon Gallery, where an 18th-century quarry worker secretly carved sculptures over five years before a tragic cave-in. You’ll also see the Quarryman’s Footbath and the Sepulchral Lamp, whose flame reassured workers that the air was safe. As you explore, your guide brings to life the history, legends, and mysteries of this underground world. After this journey 65 feet beneath Paris, you’ll never see the city the same way again.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro please take Line 4 or Line 6 to the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop and exit using “Sortie 1”; the entrance to the Catacombs can be found directly across the street from this exit.
Options you can book
Semi Private Tour - English
Semi-private tour with 7 people or fewer for a more intimate experience
Small Group Tour - English
Guided tour with a small group of 15 people or fewer
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, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Wonders Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours.
- Please note that Special Access areas may be closed on some days.
- Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,107 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
1,107 verified traveler reviews for Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour and group. Our...
Great tour and group. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the catacombs and I appreciated that she had translated some of the poetic inscriptions into English for us. That provided a more personal connection to the history of place. The artwork and artifacts in the restricted areas added to history.
via Viator
Good value. Informative...
Good value. Informative and creative tour guide Michelle. I highly recommend this specific tour. It felt like a private tour.
via Viator
Fabulous VIP tour with a fantastic guide
Michelle was a fantastic guide and the tour was chock full of interesting information and poetry which was a really nice touch. I highly recommend Michelle.
via Tripadvisor
Light coat optional
The catacombs are cooler than I expected but not uncomfortable. We did a semi-private tour with Frederick and he was amazing. It also came with access to nin-public areas. Very worth a visit.
via Viator
I recently took a an...
I recently took a an extended tour of the catacombs with a small group and for those visiting Paris i must say that out of everything i had seen and did, this tour must not be missed. Aside from the vast collection of stonework and bones that are as beautiful as they are macabre, throughout the tour getting the history and philosophies of the city above and seeing how that shaped and defined this space was wonderful. Our tour was led by Saeed and he was very knowledgeable, well spoken, and had a good sense of humor. You can tell he has a genuine passion for leading this tour, anyone looking for a great guided experience would do well to have him as their guide. And for those desiring photos he was more than willing to assist in taking some pictures as well.
via Viator
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, Fri
- Price range
- €179 to €259
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 389
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Wonders Ltd, who run 66 experiences we rank across 12 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything City Wonders Ltd runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas cost?
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Prices start at €179 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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas take?
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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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 1,110 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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas suitable for kids and families?
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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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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Around 389 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?
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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 Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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Included: Local English-speaking expert guide; Special access to restricted areas closed to general public; Small groups to ensure an intimate experience; and Guided visit of the Paris Catacombs. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pick-up/drop-off; and Food/Beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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Meet at the entrance to the Catacombes de Paris. He/She will be holding a sign. To arrive at the Catacombs by Metro plea. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not wheelchair accessible; and We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on our tours. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Paris. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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Across 1,110 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Semi Private Tour - English, Small Group Tour - English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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