Paris Catacombs Tickets and Seine River Cruise
Explore the eerie labyrinths with an audio guide and admire privileged views of the city’s landmarks
Did you know that beneath Paris' iconic streets lies a mysterious and mysterious world, filled with remnants from centuries past? Discover this hidden realm on a self-guided tour, complemented by an audio guide, as you explore the Catacombs’ dark tunnels and learn about the incredible effort that went into their creation. Then, top up your Parisian adventure with a serene Seine River cruise, where an audio guide will narrate the beauty and history of the city's most magnificent sights.
- Start your tour at 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
- Catacombs of Paris
- The Well
- Barrel of Passion
- Citadel de Mahon
- Port de la Bourdonnais
- Seine River Cruise
- UNESCO-listed buildings
- Eiffel Tower
- Your tour ends at Port de la Bourdonnais
Step inside the Paris Catacombs at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy with your timed access entry ticket, leave the bustling streets of Paris and head 130 steps underground for a fascinating audio tour of the Catacombs. Throughout an hour of independent exploration, navigate dimly lit tunnels, now the final resting place of millions of Parisians, and happen upon thought-provoking sights, including the tomb of Philibert Aspairt, poetic inscriptions, and fascinating patterns created from bone.
Afterward, transition from the haunting depths to the dazzling Seine for a leisurely one-hour cruise, which you can enjoy anytime during your visit. Drift past UNESCO-listed landmarks, admire the architectural splendor of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and locals and tourists alike stroll the picturesque riverbank.
Catacombs and Seine River Cruise with Audio Guides Description
Your activity includes:
Timed access entry ticket to the Catacombs
Audio guide for the Catacombs in multiple languages
1-hour Seine River cruise, which can be taken at your leisure
Audio commentary for the river cruise
Please be aware that, due to the specific nature of this tour and the Catacombs’ ticket policy, the Catacombs portion is non-refundable and all sales are final.
Explore Paris' Catacombs
Your Parisian adventure begins with a self-guided tour of Paris’ hidden depths. Remember to double-check your entry time, as your ticket is only valid during your allotted time slot, and set aside at least an hour to witness the harrowing highlights without hurrying. Then, with an audio guide in hand, descend 130 steps into the unsettling underground, where the air grows cooler and the city's vibrant life fades into silence.
Soon, you’ll be greeted by mysterious corridors, and thanks to the audio guide, you’ll quickly gain insight into the Catacombs' history–from their creation to becoming the final resting place for countless souls. As you wander through the narrow passages, learn about the city's efforts to deal with public health and space concerns and keep your eye out for fascinating highlights, including mystifying wells, a nearly perfect small-scale rendering of the Citadel De Mahon, and a tombstone honoring the untimely death of Philibert Apsairt.
The Secrets of the Catacombs
The Catacombs' history is as intricate and profound as the tunnels themselves. The story began on November 9, 1785, when overcrowded cemeteries, deemed health hazards, led to the decision to relocate the remains. The first to be evacuated was the Cimetière des Innocents, whose bones were moved to the quarries beneath Denfert-Rochereau. Over time, it’s estimated that more than 6 million people were transferred to the Catacombs from about 40 cemeteries.
Throughout your walk, you'll learn about the engineering marvels and the painstaking labor that went into relocating the bones, and how these caverns are now a sacred archive of human history.
Scenic Seine River Cruise
After emerging from the Catacombs' eerie depths, take a breath of fresh air and make your way to the picturesque banks of the Seine River. While this river cruise can be enjoyed anytime during your stay in Paris, we recommend going straight away as it offers the perfect contrast to the somber experience of the Catacombs.
Starting at Port de la Bourdonnais, step aboard a comfortable river cruiser and glide through the heart of Paris. As the boat meanders along the Seine, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the city's most iconic landmarks. Gaze at the majestic spires of Notre Dame, the grandeur of the Louvre, and the elegant silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. Throughout the journey, your audio guide will share fascinating stories and insights, deepening your appreciation of Paris’s rich history and architectural splendor.
After about an hour, you'll return to Port de la Bourdonnais, feeling rejuvenated and enlightened. Step ashore and continue your Parisian adventure, enriched with new knowledge and unforgettable memories. Thank you for joining, and au revoir!
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Don't forget to bring your ID and ticket. If you plan to use the audio guide, we recommend bringing headphones with a jack connector. It can get chilly while waiting in line for the catacombs, so we suggest dressing warmly and bringing a jacket.
What to bring?
Don't forget to bring your ID and ticket. If you plan to use the audio guide, we recommend bringing headphones with a jack connector. It can get chilly while waiting in line for the catacombs, so we suggest dressing warmly and bringing a jacket.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This activity is operated through one of our trusted and vetted partners in Paris
What if I have concerns about my mobility?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. Unfortunately, the catacombs are not wheelchair accessible and are only accessible by descending 130 irregular steps
What happens if it rains?
We run our Catacombs and Seine River Cruise tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we’ll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there any chance this activity might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible
Is it possible to change this Catacombs and Seine River Cruise tickets?
Unfortunately, you cannot reschedule your Catacombs tour after booking. Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. The Seine River Cruise, however, can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day.
Is there a dress code to enter the Catacombs?
There is no dress code to enter the Catacombs, but we recommend comfortable clothing for your visit. Keep in mind that you’ll be exposed to the elements while waiting in line for the Catacombs, and once inside, you can expect a temperature around 57°F (14°C).
Is lunch or dinner included in the price?
Lunch is not included. We recommend enjoying a light meal before the tour
Are drinks included?
Drinks are not included in the price of this tour
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
All ages are welcome on our Catacombs and Seine River Cruise tour, and children and infants aged 5 and under are free. Do keep in mind that young children may find this experience overwhelming
Why do I have to pay for my child who's under 6 years old?
Children 5 years old and younger enter for free, but there is a set fee for anyone 5 years and older. This is because ticket sales for the catacombs are limited each day, and tickets are mandatory for everyone aged 5 and above
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this. You'll start at the Paris Catacombs entrance at the time designated on your ticket.
Where does this tour end?
You will end after your Seine River cruise at the Port de La Bourdonnais
Does this tour include a guide?
This is a self-guided tour, meaning that no guide will accompany you during the Catacombs visit or the river cruise. You will be provided with an access ticket and an audio guide, which can only be used for the selected time slot
At what time does the Seine Cruise depart?
The river cruise tickets are sent along with the Catacombs tickets as an additional PDF file for your convenience. River cruise departure times may vary depending on the season, month, or special occasions. Cruises generally depart every 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the time of year. More information will be provided in the confirmation voucher
Does this tour include transportation between the Catacombs and the Seine River Cruise?
Transportation between the attractions is not included. You will need to make your own way from the Paris Catacombs to the Port de la Bourdonnais