Your Paris Catacombs Tour begins with a bone-chilling descent down 133-steps. These tunnels were used in the 13th century to quarry limestone for buildings as grand as Notre Dame. As you make your way through the narrow tunnels, you will learn what forced Parisians to bury their dead here.
Bone Art
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,” constructed out of various skeletal remains.
Paris Catacombs in History
In addition to housing the dead, the Catacombs played an important role in many 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. 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.
Resident Ghost
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.
Keep in mind, only 200 people are allowed into the Catacombs at any given moment. With LivTours, however, you will enjoy VIP access to all of the Catacombs’ major highlights without waiting in line. The LivTours Paris Catacombs Tour will also take you to areas that are restricted to the general public. Although we can’t take you through all 200 miles of the Catacombs, our Paris Catacombs Tour will lead you to some of the most exclusive areas in this Parisian underworld.