How Much of the Paris Catacombs Are Open to the Public?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning to visit Paris, the city of love, you might want to take a trip to the famous Paris Catacombs. This underground ossuary is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most unique tourist attractions in France.

But how much of it is open to the public? Let’s explore.

What are the Paris Catacombs?

Firstly, let’s get a brief understanding of what exactly are Paris Catacombs. It is a network of underground tunnels and chambers that were once used as limestone quarries that supplied building materials for the city above. These tunnels were later converted into a burial site in the late 18th century, as Paris was running out of space for its dead.

How much of it is open to the public?

Currently, only a small section of the Paris Catacombs is open to visitors. The section that is accessible consists of approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) out of over 300 kilometers (186 miles) of tunnels that exist under Paris.

The Tourist Route

The tourist route starts at Denfert-Rochereau square and takes you down 130 steps into a maze-like series of narrow passageways. You’ll then walk through galleries lined with skulls and bones arranged in artistic patterns before reaching an area where you can see how these remains were originally stacked on top of each other.

Restricted Areas

There are numerous restricted areas within the catacombs that are closed off from public access due to safety concerns and preservation efforts. These areas include tunnels that are prone to collapse, flooded sections, and areas where ancient artifacts have been found.

Conclusion

In summary, only a small section – about 1.5 kilometers – out of over 300 kilometers long Paris Catacombs is open to the public. Visitors can take a guided tour of this section, which includes galleries lined with human bones arranged in artistic patterns. However, it’s important to note that there are many restricted areas within the catacombs that are closed off from public access for safety and preservation reasons.