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Our family loves a good adventure, and during a trip to Paris with our five kids, we decided to trade croissants and city strolls for something a little… unexpected. I’m a HUGE Halloween fan (I’ve termed myself the Queen of Halloween among our Portuguese friends) and love all things like this. It’s not a hard sell for me to jump on board for any “creepy” activities at all. Thankfully, my kids are pretty much all the same (the husband, not so much).
We had already gone to the Eiffel Tower, so it was time we descended into the mysterious underworld of the Paris Catacombs.
It was one of the most unforgettable highlights of our trip. Equal parts eerie and educational, it sparked curiosity, gave us chills in the best way, and led to some really thoughtful conversations afterward. I found it a bit sacred as well. To realize how many lives are encased under the City of Lights (many thrown down there in the midst of plague and other endemics) is humbling.
I am so grateful that time has been taken to organize these remains in a way we can access, even as a family! Accessing it is understandably challenging at times (more on that to come), but it’s totally worth it.
Let me walk you through what we discovered, and how you can make this Paris Catacomb Tour a fascinating (and age-appropriate!) success with your little explorers.
Beneath the streets of Paris lies an extraordinary underground world, the Paris Catacombs, a vast ossuary that holds the remains of over six million people. Unlike natural caves, this haunting labyrinth was ingeniously carved from ancient limestone quarries and repurposed in the late 18th century to solve two critical problems facing the city.
First, Paris’s cemeteries, especially the massive Cemetery of the Holy Innocents, had become dangerously overcrowded, leading to unsanitary conditions and public health risks. At the same time, the city’s foundations were at risk due to a maze of abandoned and unstable limestone tunnels, which caused frequent collapses and structural damage above.
To address both crises, city officials launched a bold initiative in 1785, transferring human remains from overflowing cemeteries into the reinforced quarry tunnels. The bones were moved nightly, and over time, arranged with meticulous care into the chilling yet captivating displays seen today. We also got the sense they were thrown down into these caverns, but let’s hope it was as respectful as possible!
This monumental effort not only restored health and order above ground but also stabilized the city’s crumbling underworld, giving birth to what would become one of Paris’s most fascinating historical places.
Step into one of Paris’ most fascinating hidden worlds with this skip-the-line, small-group Catacombs tour. Perfect for curious minds and brave explorers, this guided experience takes you beyond the public areas to exclusive sections of the Catacombs typically closed to general visitors.
For families who love to explore at their own pace, this Paris Catacombs skip-the-line ticket with audioguide is a great option. I’m a HUGE fan of audioguides and always think it’s the best form of world schooling! The kids might gripe about it, but they learn a ton. And it keeps them more focused and slower so I can enjoy learning too, not just running through an exhibit. Win-win!
This was the tour we chose for our group for a mid-November visit.
Visiting the Paris Catacombs is an experience you won’t forget, but it’s definitely not your typical family outing. One of our pro tips? Book your tickets in advance. Trust us, this is a non-negotiable. Lines can stretch for hours, depending on the season, and timed-entry slots often sell out quickly.
Purchasing your tickets online ahead of time will save you loads of waiting and spare your kids from a long, cranky queue.
As of 2025, standard admission to the Paris Catacombs is €31 per adult, which includes an audioguide. A reduced rate of €25 is also available and includes the audioguide as well. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 can enter for €12, though the audioguide is not included in that rate.
For the youngest visitors, those under 5, admission is free. If you’d like to add an audioguide separately, it’s available for €5.
Reduced-rate tickets are available to several groups. This includes individuals aged 5 to 26, students, holders of the “Paris Pass Famille,” and members of several French art and history organizations.
If you want to avoid the crowds and long lines, October through May is ideal. We went in mid-November and went first thing in the morning. We had little crowds, thankfully! However, some of our group got lost on public transportation and were late.
During these off-peak months, you’ll typically wait under 30 minutes, and if it’s raining, even fewer people venture underground, making it even better.
Try to skip summer (June to August) if possible. It’s peak tourist season, which can mean waiting 3 or 4 hours in uncomfortable lines in the heat. The December holidays also bring festive crowds and longer queues.
Plan your visit for a weekday, ideally Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, to enjoy a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. On Mondays, the Catacombs are closed, and steer clear of Tuesdays when many other Paris museums shut their doors, causing a surge of visitors here instead. Weekends also tend to be crowded.
You can also consider a Skip-the-Line Tour, which not only bypasses the queue but also grants special access to restricted areas.
The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is located at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, right on Place Denfert-Rochereau. Depending on where you are staying in Paris or outside Paris, you should consider your options in advance of your visit.
We stayed with our StroudInc team in this amazing French Chateau, Home Alone style. It was a truly unforgettable experience I cherish. However, it was about an hour from downtown Paris, so we had to leave early for the Catacombs and pay close attention to all the transfers.
Some of our group got lost. Another couple of people were fined for putting their feet on the seats of the train. Know that Paris public transportation doesn’t allow for music, eating, or putting your feet on the seats.
The Denfert-Rochereau station is the most convenient, served by Metro lines 4 and 6, as well as RER B. It’s just steps from the Catacombs entrance. A single ticket costs €2.50, and a reduced fare for children from 4 to 10 years old is €1.25.
You can also pick up a Navigo Easy Pass, a reusable transit card that costs just €2. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option that works on all metro, bus, and tram lines within Paris. You can load it with single tickets.
Keep in mind that many Paris Metro stations, including parts of Denfert-Rochereau, lack elevators or escalators, making transfers or exits challenging with strollers. Since strollers aren’t allowed inside the Catacombs, you’ll need to be prepared to carry both the stroller and your child up and down stairs if needed. Alternatively, use my favorite carrier! This company was a client of ours, and I loved this carrier!! It can grow with your kiddo and really protects your back.
Another Paris Metro tip: the metro is rife with pickpockets. Be extremely careful and mindful. I find that the sheer chaos that is five kids seems to deter pickpockets, as we’ve been very blessed never to have this happen. I have several friends who have not been that lucky and have had their wallets and phones stolen in Paris. It’s OK to use, for sure, but be aware and cautious. Watch the locals and mimic their behavior.
Several bus lines stop at Denfert-Rochereau, including 38, 59, 68, and 92. A single bus or tram ride in Paris costs €2.00 with a Bus-Tram ticket and a reduced fare of €1.00.
Pro Tip: Buses are often a better option with small children, offering more space and a smoother journey. Check your route from your accommodation to see if a bus works well.
For maximum ease, especially with tired kids, consider taking a taxi or rideshare. You’ll be dropped off right at the entrance without navigating stations or walking far.
You can easily plan your ride in advance using Uber or G7. G7 allows you to book up to 30 days ahead and even request an English-speaking driver. Other reliable options include Taxis Bleus and Bolt, a popular app with competitive rates.
If you’re staying nearby, such as in Montparnasse, walking could be a pleasant option, just consider your kids’ energy levels for the day ahead (and back!). You’ll go up and down many stairs in the Catacombs and walk underground the entire time. Consider a snack break on your journey there if going on foot. We rewarded our kids with some amazing hot chocolate!
Pro Tip: Consider that this site is not stroller-friendly, so plan accordingly with little ones.
The visit usually takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (This may change if you choose a tour). Don’t rush, let kids pause, observe, and ask questions. It’s a fascinating place to explore at a thoughtful pace.
Let children know this is a historical site, not a haunted house. Emphasize the real history of Paris that led to the creation of the Catacombs. Emphasize this is not unlike a cemetery and needs to be treated with respect and a level of reverence.
Encourage your kids to ask questions, and do your best to answer. Talk about the number of people represented, why the bones are there, or how the Catacombs helped stabilize the city.
Quiz the kids on the info to keep them engaged and help everyone remember more. Our kids found this experience fascinating.
Some private tour companies offer family-friendly guides who share history through stories, trivia, or interactive elements. These often take place outside the Catacombs, but they’re a great way to prep kids before you enter on your own with skip-the-line tickets.
While photography is allowed, flash is not. Remind kids (and adults) to turn off the flash out of respect for the site and fellow visitors.
This is crucial, the bones are fragile and part of a protected historical monument. Make sure children understand they must look, not touch. This is SO hard for little hands! I like to say “We only touch with our eyes”. Be mindful of those little hands.
After you emerge from the dimly lit tunnels of the Paris Catacombs, you’ll find yourself in a completely different spot from where you began. We headed to a park to let off steam and discuss what we liked the most.
The one-way circuit ends near the gift shop and bookshop at 21 bis Avenue René-Coty, which is separate from the entrance at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. The good news? You don’t need a ticket to visit the shop.
You’ll find everything from skull-themed trinkets to history books and postcards. It’s a fun way to wrap up your eerie underground adventure, and maybe bring home a perfectly spooky souvenir! Or, if you prefer, you can buy your souvenirs online too.
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The Paris Catacombs might seem like an unusual choice for a family outing, but for us, it turned out to be a truly unforgettable experience. It’s a rare opportunity to step away from the typical tourist trail and uncover a hidden, historic side of Paris.
With a little preparation and the right mindset, it can be both educational and fascinating for kids. Just be ready for a slightly spooky, yet incredibly rewarding, adventure!
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Find a nice hotel near Paris from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of Paris while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com.
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best memories in Paris as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
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