Paris Catacombs: Illegal Tunnels vs Tourist Attraction

Paris Catacombs: Illegal Tunnels vs Tourist Attraction

The Paris Catacombs

Deep beneath the romantic streets of Paris lie dark secrets and death. Long abandoned, ancient mining tunnels, stuffed with the skeletal remains of around 6 million dead people span for kilometers under Paris. These ghoulish, bone-ridden tunnels form the Paris Catacombs and allegedly contain the Gates to Hell.

Dark Tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris.
Walking into the darkness of the Paris Catacombs.

The Paris Catacombs came to be after disease and many other misfortunes ravaged 18th century Paris. This inundated the growing city with human corpses. After the cemeteries of Paris begun to spill over with death, drastic measures were taken. Consequently, many bodies were exhumed from cemeteries and moved to the pre-existing mining networks below Paris.

Bone display in ossuary of the Paris Catacombs.
An elaborate display made of human bones lying deep underneath Paris.

Initially, the bones were stacked without organization or care, placed in the dark depths of these tunnels. They were later rearranged during the early 1800s to form macabre, yet beautifully elaborate patterned displays. Today, these ornate sections of the catacombs remain open to the public. Yet, there are far more extensive tunnel systems still containing bones that remain under Paris, unsafe and restricted to visit.

Human skulls in the Catacombs of Paris.
Human skulls lining stacks of bones in the world’s most famous catacombs.

The Paris Catacombs Tourist Attraction

A small section of the Paris Catacombs is open to the general public. This section is safe to enter and contains the bone displays that are the most decorative. Visitors will descend a few stories underground via a maintained staircase. They will then walk through tunnels unguided for at least a half hour. Some history is explained about how the catacombs came to be via infographics and a small museum.

The Paris Catacombs is a massive underground cemetery.
A massive cemetery makes up the contents of the Paris Catacombs.

Thousands of bones are stacked and on display, for visitors to view as they walk through the tunnel path. These include inscriptions and a variety of different patterns. This is the place to see the most beautiful sections of the Paris Catacombs in a controlled and maintained environment.

Love heart made of human skulls in the Catacombs of Paris.
Detailed bone display forming a love heart inside the Catacombs of Paris.

Guided tours are available for an additional cost. Though, the self-guided tour allows visitors to peruse the displays at their own pace and leisure. Tickets can be purchased from the entrance and will set you back around €12. The temperature in this attraction is generally much cooler than at the surface. There is also a decent amount of walking to do, though nothing overly strenuous.

Skulls and bones on display in Paris.
Thousands of skulls and bones on display in the most macabre tourist attraction in Paris.

You will find the entrance to the Catacombs at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France.

Paris Catacombs Illegal Tunnels

Delving into the forbidden world of the Paris Catacombs illegal tunnels is a much different experience compared to the above. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are able, fit and daring enough.

Small tunnel in the forbidden Paris Catacombs.
A small tunnel system is hidden deep beneath Paris. Filled with discarded human bones.

This experience should only be undertaken with a trusted guide (otherwise known as a cataphile). Guides are difficult to come by and generally only able to be found by referral. Entry into the Catacombs must be swift and silent. Usually via a hole near a subway tunnel or via a manhole in the city. Be prepared to climb through uncomfortably tight holes, scale maintenance ladders and walk hunched over for long periods of time.

Off-limits part of the Paris Catacombs.
Part of the off-limits Paris Catacombs filled completely to the roof with human bones.

The tunnel system is vast and difficult to navigate. Street names on the ground above correlate to many of the tunnels underneath the ground. However, these deceivingly aren’t always straight forward to follow. My own guide navigated his way using a crude hand drawn set of maps. Most importantly, be prepared to get dirty, wet, yet not likely cold. These tunnel systems are much warmer than the tourist side.

Street names written on the walls of the Paris Catacombs.
Street names are hidden deep beneath the actual streets of Paris.

What awaits visitors to these forbidden, unchartered tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris is plenty of adventure. Winding tunnels reveal exclusive and hidden hangouts for select Parisians. Within the catacombs are makeshift bars and seats crafted from limestone, complete with candelabras.

Paris Catacombs bar.
One of the secret, underground Catacombs party spots in Paris.

Venturing deeper reveals an increased amount of graffiti, yet also pieces of street art that are far more impressive. Upon reaching the bone chambers, creepier sights await. Here, tunnels completely stacked with crumbling bones exist. Macabre pieces of art have made use of these stray bones. For instance, a throne has been made of human bones/skulls and another piece resembles a scary looking spider creature.

Strange bone creature in the illegal tunnels of the Paris Catacombs.
A strange creature created out of human bones found deep inside the Illegal tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris.

Visiting the Offlimits Paris Catacombs

Unfortunately, I cannot share just how you can descend into this hidden world of tunnels and skeletons. I do urge would be explorers to proceed with caution. These tunnels are certainly difficult to navigate. To become lost, lose light and die within the depths of the Paris Catacombs isn’t unheard of.

Forbidden side of the Catacombs in Paris.
Bones and skulls on display in the forbidden Paris Catacombs.

If you are curious about learning the ghost stories of the Catacombs of Paris, check out this article.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Amy's Crypt Signature

About Amy

Amy is a world traveller and explorer of creepy locations. She has visited some of the most famously haunted places around the world in search of evidence of the paranormal. Follow Amy's Journey:

Comments (6)

  • Donald Thurston

    Posted by Donald Thurston on October 18, 2019

    I’m a new subscriber but have seen many of your videos. This video looks like it was quite the undertaking. Thank you for showing us the Catacombs. You and your husband are so professional at this put still have fun at what you do which makes it fun and more enjoyable for us the viewer. The photography is excellent. I’ve watched dozens of videos and the photography is shaky and jumps around too much . Yours is perfect! And you have the perfect narration and personality for this type of work . You two keep up the great work you have a fan for life here! Take care Amy and Jared ! Donald , Illinois, US

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on October 19, 2019

      Hi Donald! Thank you so much for reading and watching my videos. It is so cool to get all of this feedback from you and we really do appreciate it! Thanks so much once again!

  • Tatiana Gray

    Posted by Tatiana Gray on September 5, 2021

    Have you found any abnormal things in the catacombs or signs of people that were recently underground

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on September 6, 2021

      Well, the entire place is rather abnormal (at least, compared to anything I would typically visit in my country). Thanks for reading.

  • Rick

    Posted by Rick on February 19, 2023

    These are great photos. Only one thing, it was done in 18th century (1700s). Thank you

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on March 13, 2023

      Thanks for the correction.

Leave a Reply