Paris Catacombs Small-Group Tour: VIP Access, Exclusive Chambers & History Insight
5.0
154 Ratings
Paris
Descend into the macabre and marvellous underbelly of Paris on a small-group tour of the Catacombs. Marvel at millions of intricately arranged skeletons, learn about the history and wartime use of the Catacombs, and explore exclusive chambers with VIP access.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Paris Catacombs - Beneath the dazzling lights of modern Paris lie the devilishly dark Catacombs, which in this Exclusive Tour you will be able to descend into and explore in your very own Group of ONLY 6 people MAX, and of course skipping the ticket lines. Sometimes called the “Empire of Death,” this marvelously macabre 200-mile maze houses the painstakingly arranged remains of roughly 6 million Parisians. On this Paris Catacombs Tour, you will get to see all the glorious and ghoulish sites without waiting for hours in line. As an added bonus, your Tour will include VIP access to rarely seen restricted chambers. Your Paris Catacombs Tour begins with a bone-chilling descent on the complex’s 133-step staircase. Your guide will explain how these tunnels were used in the 13th century to quarry limestone for buildings as grand as Notre Dame. As you make your way through these narrow tunnels, you will learn why bad weather in the 1780s forced Parisians to bury their dead here. During your tour, you will have plenty of time to admire the Catacombs’ disturbingly detailed bone decorations. From religious iconography to hearts, workers found many ways to “beautify” the bones housed in this complex. There is, however, one decoration that will really set your spine a-tingling. Inside the popular Crypt of the Passion take a few moments to admire “The Barrel,” which is constructed out of various skeletal remains. In addition to housing the dead, the Catacombs played an important role in many significant historic events. Your guide will tell you tales of the German Wehrmacht and the French Resistance who both used part of the Catacombs as wartime bunkers during World War II. - Chapelle Expiatoire - Pay homage to monuments dedicated to people who died fighting during the French Revolution, and pass by some of the cemeteries, such as the Magdalena Cemetery, where beheaded revolutionaries were laid to rest. If you are not afraid of ghosts, then ask your guide about the grave of the doorman Philibert Aspairt who passed away in the Catacombs in the 18th century. According to legend, Aspairt’s spirit rises up every November 3rd to spook unsuspecting tourists. Believe it or not, there’s now a dedicated group of Catacombs enthusiasts known as the cataphiles. As your guide will explain, these cataphiles have caused quite a stir in recent years hosting huge raves, swimming parties, and an extensive network in this underground city of the dead. Keep your eyes peeled for graffiti left by cataphiles on your Catacombs Tour. Keep in mind, only 200 people are allowed into the Catacombs at any given moment. With our Tour, however, you will enjoy VIP access to all of the Catacombs’ major highlights without waiting in line. This Exclusive Paris Catacombs Tour will also take you to areas that are restricted to the general public, again all in the personalised atmosphere that only a Small Group of 6 People Max can offer!
What's Included
  • Professional Expert Guide
  • Exclusive access to restricted areas of the Catacombs!
  • Skip the Line entry
  • Small Group of ONLY 6 people max
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

This unique journey into the eerie and exceptional underworld of Paris is the ideal means to astoundingly discover millions of meticulously sorted bones in the Paris Catacombs, be captivated by captivating stories of the Catacombs’ chronicle, its role during wartime, and the tales of ghosts that reside therein, become acquainted with the renowned crypts where decapitated revolutionaries were put to rest, and so much more. Experience it all in an intimate group of ONLY 6 individuals, enjoy a speedy, queue-free VIP entrance into the Catacombs with a knowledgeable local guide, AND gain special VIP admittance to off-limits Catacombs chambers!

Location
1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
In front of the Catacombs Main Entrance on 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris, France. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(154 Ratings)
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A7364vbcassandram
Apr 28, 2024
Catacombs - In a semi-private group of 6, myself and my daughter still felt like we had a private tour. We breezed through the line for quick access. Our guide was knowledgeable and had great stories about, not just the history of the catacombs, but fun stories. Our guide made it even more interesting. Two thumbs up for our guide. It looked like we had access to a couple of places others weren't able to go to as we were let in a couple of gates that had been locked. Meeting place was on point and there's a cafe across the street in case you get there a bit early. Definitely would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N4612osjonathank
Apr 27, 2024
An Enthralling Journey Beneath Paris at the Catacombs - Yesterday, my wife and I had the incredible opportunity to explore the Paris Catacombs, guided by Melvin, whose knowledge and enthusiasm illuminated the shadowy depths of this historic site. From the outset, Melvin impressed us with his expertise, weaving fascinating tales and facts about the catacombs’ history that made the centuries-old bones come alive with stories. One of the highlights of our tour was the exclusive access to areas not usually open to the public. Venturing into these restricted sections felt like stepping through a portal into a hidden world, each chamber telling its own somber yet intriguing story. Melvin expertly navigated us through narrow passageways and revealed secrets of the underground that would have been impossible to appreciate without his insights. Throughout the tour, Melvin was attentive, ensuring that all guests were engaged and managing to cater to varying levels of curiosity within our group. His passion for Parisian history was contagious, making the experience not just a tour but a thrilling adventure. The Paris Catacombs themselves were an unforgettable sight, with their haunting beauty and eerie silence, but it was Melvin’s guidance that truly made our visit special. For those considering a visit, I highly recommend securing a spot on a tour that grants special access to the off-limits areas—it's a unique experience that deeply enriches the visit. Overall, our catacombs tour was not just a highlight of our Paris trip, but a profound journey that we will remember for years to come. Hats off to Melvin for an outstanding tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleendd4722ph
Apr 18, 2024
Unique experience - Excellent tour - very educational and we really enjoyed it. Leo was a great guide and we enjoyed the access to some restricted areas not available to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colleen_b
Apr 16, 2024
Fantastic! - Leo was a fantastic guide. It was a marvellous experience. Her depth of knowledge and passion for the subject matter of the catacombs was amazing. She showed us details that we never would have seen on our own. Having access to the caves that were not open to the general public was worthwhile. One of the best tours and tour guides we have ever experienced.
Review provided by Viator
Suzanne_r
Apr 11, 2024
VIP Catacombs - Our guide was very knowledgeable and kept the tour very fun! The semi private tour with the VIP entrance into the extra rooms in the catacombs was very cool!!
Review provided by Viator
Erileckc
Apr 9, 2024
Five stars!!! - Leo was absolutely amazing! She shared so many interesting facts and it was evident how genuine her interest in the catacombs are.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jillebn3r
Apr 5, 2024
We became exclusive members of a club - Leo our guide was amazing! Her knowledge and passion for the catacombs made our experience both fascinating and enchanting! As a cataphile her personal experience enhanced our trip significantly. Her knowledge of the catacombs was far above the soundtrack tour and each of us could not be more grateful for that. We learned so much and felt like we were exclusive members of a club. I am so happy we chose LIV tours! I’ll be booking again in the future! Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikemaxeyis
Apr 4, 2024
Catacombs expert - Awesome tour and guide. Learn from the best, learn from a catacomes expert. Thank you Leo! Great job. We hope to visit the underground again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewcu7449qf
Mar 31, 2024
A must do in Paris. - This one is definitely worth your while! Our guide Leo was great with a real passion for the catacombs ensuring it the tour was a learning experience. Fascinating to hear about the origins of the catacombs, the work of the Inspectorate of Quarries and how the galleries provided a solution to the overcrowded cemeteries. This tour has been a highlight of our visit to Paris. Book well in advance and merci Leo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_l
Mar 29, 2024
Worth it - The personal knowledge Leo shared was truly amazing and fascinating. Wonderful guide. Fluent English and easy to speak with. The tour gave us access to areas teh general admissions did not. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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