Catacombs of Paris Semi-Private VIP Restricted Access Tour
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Paris, France
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the Catacombs of Paris on a small-group tour limited to only six people. With this skip-the-line admission, you can avoid the typically long ticket queue at one of Paris' most fascinating attractions, and learn about the history of the underground burial site with a guide.
- Skip the line at the Paris Catacombs with fast-track entrance
- Enjoy a guided tour beneath the streets of Paris
- See sections of the Catacombs that are usually closed to the public
- Receive VIP-style service with a maximum of six people per group
What's Included
- Skip long lines and gain exclusive access to hidden rooms beneath Paris’s streets.
- Benefit from special access to parts of the Catacombs closed to the public
- Explore eerie tunnels with an expert guide in an intimate group of 7 or fewer.
- Experience a unique, VIP journey into one of Paris’s most fascinating underground worlds.
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Catacombs of Paris1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Meet us outside the main entrance gate to the Catacombs. Nearest metro: Denfert Rochereau. Exit at Sortie 1 and you will see the Catacombs entrance gate directly across the street. Your guide will be wearing their guide badge on an orange lanyard.
End point
- 36 Rue Rémy Dumoncel, 75014 Paris, France
The catacombs exit is a few blocks away from the entrance, on rue Remy Dumoncel. The nearest metros are Alesia and Mouton Duvernet.
Itinerary
1
The Paris Catacombs
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- There are 130 steps to enter the Paris Catacombs and 112 steps to exit.
- This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
- The tunnels can be slippery and remain at a temperature of around 14°C/57°F, even in summer. Guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing.
- Tickets for the Catacombs are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. They must be used with the group at the booked time and their availability is limited. Entry times are also prebooked and are strictly adhered too, we must enter on time. For this reason we are unable to issue refunds to latecomers or no shows for missed tours.
- If you plan to arrive at the meeting point by taxi, please ensure you leave yourselves plenty of time, it can often take a considerable amount of time to find a taxi in Paris!
- The Catacombs are 20 meters/65 feet (and more) underground and the tunnels are narrow in places. This tour is not suitable for those with cardiac or respiratory problems, or suffering from claustrophobia.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 304 reviews
Elizabeth_R, Apr 2026
Guide was fabulous but there was absolutely nothing VIP or Private access to this tour. We walked the same route as everyone getting a ticket at the door, so for the price I would skip it and just grab some audio tour headphones and enjoy the walk.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We are so sorry to hear of your disappointment. The Catacombs opened the morning of your visit after six months of closing for renovations and it was only at that precise moment that the heads of the Catacombs contacted us to let us know that the parts with only private access must remain closed a little longer. We had no advance warning at all ourselves, which we profoundly regret. From 21 April 2026 all should be open as normal. We will soon be in touch about a partial refund.
Ellen_v, Oct 2025
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this tour. The tour was very respectful that this is a "cemetery". Our guide J Junohn was great! He was very knowledgeable on the history of the catacombs. If you go I highly recommend paying the extra for the VIP extra rooms. It was all around a great experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We love to surprise you with just how good a guided experience can be, far beyond the rote reading of guide-book explanations. A Memories guide, guides just like John, are hand selected for their excellence. And the Catacombs, we know and appreciate, are far more than just thrills and chills, but the final resting place of forbears. We do love taking you all through its spinetingling mysteries and histories but never lose sight of the fact that this is indeed a cemetery. Thanks so much for coming along with us!
Jalina_M, Oct 2025
This tour was fantastic. John is an excellent guide and his relay of the history of the catacombs was informative and engaging. We appreciate the delicate respect he exhibited for those interred there. The ability to enter some of the restricted areas with John was well worth the investment into this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello Jalina and thank you! John is a wonder, just the kind of talent and skill anyone should expect from a Memories guide in delicacy and depth. It's our pleasure to take you into the cordonned off spaces and we're delighted that you had such a good time!
Daniel_G, Sep 2025
The private tour made the experience immersive and informative. It was amazing, Anthony was our guide
Response from Host, Sep 2025
The Memories family had such a great time with you, Daniel, showing you the inner sanctum of the Catacombs and all the tunnels that you can't get to without us - thanks so much for the grand review- we'll be passing it along to Anthony!
Michelle_A, Aug 2025
Such a fun experience!!! Started on time. Tour guide had a ton of personality and was passionate about the catacombs. Her knowledge was impressive. Really exciting being able to explore places others weren’t allowed to access.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Michelle! We also had a blast showing you the secret tunnels of Paris from below. Thank you so much for the rave review, and for choosing to explore the underlands of the City of Lights with us!
Vicki_M, Aug 2025
This tour was one of the best things we did in Paris! I was concerned it would be a spectacle and disrespectful but it was révérant and respectful. We learned so much and our guide (Rémi) was really good about humanizing the deceased and making the tour about the fascinating tunnels below the city and not just about the bones.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Vicki- you are so right that a trip through the Catacombs should be about more than bones and should also be, as you say, reverential towards those that passed before us, whose names may be lost, but whose story has become part and parcel of the history of Paris. Thanks so much for joining us - it's always a pleasure to lead an expedition for a kindred spirit!
ROBIN_R, May 2025
An excellent tour - there are a lot of steps down so there are a lot of steps back up. It’s a wonderful maze of neatly stacked bones and there are designs in a few areas. Our tour guide had so much good information but unfortunately I don’t remember her name.
Response from Host, May 2025
No bones about it: this netherworld labyrinth offers a one-of-a-kind perspective on Paris's "underground" history. You see the capital in a whole different way. We love revealing the secrets and mysteries it hides, as well as boldy going where tourists usually cannot. Memories will get you there. Thank you so much for the praise and the fabulous five stars!
Kerry_D, May 2025
Besides the fact that this tour got you access to two private areas, our guide, “Mar,” was very knowledgeable and passionate about the catacombs. She brought the history to life and had a presence as if you’ve always known her.
Response from Host, May 2025
We love it when you think of us as your old friends on the ground, who are so happy to take you around what we know best and adore sharing! Marjolein will be delighted to read your warm praise of her excellent guiding - thank you so much for choosing to go on your catacombs exploration with us - it's such a treat to take you places that the ordinary tours can't go. Let's hope we meet again!
David_C, Apr 2025
Amazing tour….humid so floors are very wet from ceiling drippings. Ariel was a great guide with an in depth knowledge of Paris and Catacomb history.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you, David, for the fantastic five stars - Ariane will be so pleased to read your kind words - we so agree that the Catacombs offer an opportunity to understand Paris and French history in a way unlike any other with an expert guide to clue you in and even take you places you couldn't otherwise access- again gratitude for the great comments!
Lauren_B, Mar 2025
This was, by far, a Must Do! Johnny was GREAT! He was extremely knowledgeable and provided an extensive historical background so that you could understand what lead up to why the bones are underground. Fantastic Tour!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
It's a thrill and a chill to show you around Paris from below. No bones about it! Thanks so much for taking the time out to leave such a great review: Johnny will be delighted at your kind words!
sarah_h, Dec 2024
Incredible tour, Arthur was charismatic and quite knowledgeable; the personal tour and access to restricted sections well worth the experience! Highly recommend
Response from Host, Jan 2025
It is such fun to show you around the chilling catacombs, especially in a semi-private setting and secret, cordonned-off spaces! Thanks so much for your fantastic review which will delight Arthur, and let's hope our paths cross again!
ReedH, Dec 2024
When you are done with all the art museums you have to book this Amazing tour to break up your trip. It’s very informative and the guide was incredible. Highly recommend for anyone who likes macabre
Response from Host, Jan 2025
The Catacombs are all about spine tingling thrills and chills and we aim to deliver all that and more. We are so glad to know we knocked it out of the park! Thanks so much for telling us with this rave review!
Brian_F, Dec 2024
Remy did an excellent job with this private tour. He was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. I’m claustrophobic and didnt really have any issues. We were down there for about 2 hours and you’ll probably walk out with a new perspective on things. Totally worth the visit.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
It is great to know that despite claustrophobia you were fine! It is definitely a tour that gives you perspective, that is true in many ways. We will be sending your kind comments on to Rémi, thank you so much for taking the time out to leave them!
Thomas_M, Nov 2024
Leonora was great. Attentive, knowledgeable, and fun. She speaks much better English than she gives herself credit for and was happy to go into greater factual depth if someone had further questions.
As long as a couple of 100 steps up-and-down won't bother you.The tour is great.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
The Catacombs are an amazing place to get a different, well, perspective, on Paris-from-below. We are so glad you enjoyed an immersive experience with Leonora who will be thrilled to read these warm comments. Glad too you have no, um, bone to pick with us! Thank you for the rave review!
Sheryl_F, Nov 2024
This tour is a must! The experience was truly amazing! David was the best tour guide. He was extremely personable and made the experience memorable. His vast knowledge along with access to all the locked areas was very intriguing.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
We will absolutely be passing your remarks on to David who will be delighted. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave them and such a rave review, too! We love to know we're getting it right!
mary_m, Nov 2024
Eleanor was a fabulous guide
Very informative, personable and helpful
We couldn’t have had a better experience
Would DEFINITELY recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2024
So many thanks to you for this great review - Eleanor will be thrilled to read your kind remarks which make us proud! We hope our paths cross again, someday soon.
Sue_D, Sep 2024
David was a marvelous guide. We learned a great deal and he really gave us insights into the stories behind the catacombs. The whole experience was exceptional. I’d highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
It's such fun to show people an unforgettable time into Paris's deep and sometimes creepy history! Thank you for allowing us to do so and for letting us know that we did it up right! We'll share your praise too with David!
Thomas_v, Aug 2024
Very knowledgeable guide; professionally run tour. Our guide was fluent in several languages, which was a big plus. Saw some cool paths that are not available to general public. Highly recommend doing this with a guide!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
The Catacombs are such a neat place and it's always so much fun to share some of the "private" areas with our special guests. Thank you for the great review!
Barbra_H, Aug 2024
David was an excellent guide. He was very informative and inciteful. Would definitely go again 10/10
Response from Host, Sep 2024
And on our end we'd love to have you again as well. Thank you so much for the kind words!
Carla_M, Aug 2024
Remi was an excellent guide! He was knowledgeable, professional and provided a great experience! He allotted just the right amount of time and added additional information and photographs.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for the kudos - we are always delighted to share the Catacombs with the brave souls curious about its history and lore!
Allyson_D, Aug 2024
Awful!!!! Do not book. Tickets at gate are 30 dollars a piece and for my family of 4 they charged us over 600. We got to gate at 5:15 there was no tour guide and the manager of the catacombs told me they were fraudulent tickets!!!!! Viator will now not refund my money and I am out a ton of money. We booked multiple events through Viator for the trip without a problem and now this - I will never use this site again. Viator does not stand by their purchases. Do not use this site please book direct!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
We are very sorry to read your comments, and have looked into your case carefully.
Tickets on the spot are for the day or purchase and just give entry to the site. What you booked with us was a semi-private guided tour in a group of 6 people, with a licensed guide and a reserved time entry allowing you to skip the lines, and especially allowing you special access to parts of the Catacombs that are closed - the guards come with the key and unlock the best rooms in the catacombs for our group.
Your guide was at the meeting point (Catacombs entrance) at 5:15pm and met the other guests. At 5:23pm he told us you were not there. Our team called you twice on the number you put on your booking at 5.26pm and 5.28pm, your phone went to voicemail and we left a message. We also tried to contact you via WhatsApp but could not as it seems you do not have a WhatsApp account.
The guide waited for you until 5.30pm, the tour start time. As I mentioned we have timed entry tickets that we book many months in advance, we have to enter on time. He left your name with the guards at the entrance, as they will allow guests in if they arrive a little late. We contacted him at the end of the tour to see if you had joined and he said no.
Please rest assured that our tickets are not fraudulent! We book them far in advance and the staff at the catacombs know us very well. There is a problem with fraudulent tickets at the site that has been going on for some time, but please be assured that our tickets and small group reservations are booked directly with the Catacombs well in advance, we have a professional account with them.
However it is your guide that has the tickets, your Viator voucher is your confirmation of the tour booked with us, but will not allow you access to the sites. This is why we do ask all guests to be at the meeting point 15 minutes early, and why we contact all late guests. Our number is also on the voucher and our team are available 7/7 should you have any difficulties finding your guide.
Once again we are very sorry that we were unable to reach you and that you missed your tour.
Janelle_M, Aug 2024
The guide Leo was a self-described cataphile and had loads of information to share. The tour went much longer than I thought and I was riveted the entire way. What an incredibly unique place!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
The Catacombs are creepfest fun, for certain! Thanks for being a great guest and for the high praise! It's such a neat place to share with like minded individuals!
Nicholas_H, Aug 2024
The tour guide was excellent and had some good history and stories to tell. She was very into the catacombs - exactly the tour guide you need!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
The Catacombs are creepyfun as well as great history - we are so glad we were able to bring it to life for you! Well, if not to life exactly, to make it memorable! thank you for the great review!
Kate_T, Jul 2024
Marion was a phenomenal, personable, and extremely informative tour guide. We were so excited for our tour and it did not disappoint!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you very much for your kind comments which we've shared with Marion. We are so pleased you were happy with your tour and that you enjoyed the special place that the catacombs is! We hope you had a wonderful stay here!
Nickie_F, Jul 2024
Best way to see the catacombs! Small group made it so nice. Unique place to visit. Truely delightful tour. Awesome to see some of the areas untouched by so many.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your comments, we are really glad you enjoyed your small group tour. We hope you had a great stay here in Paris and that we may see you again perhaps!
Alison_S, Jul 2024
The tour was fantastic & the guide was delightful. She brought an iPad with pictures to use as visual aids, and it was so helpful for understanding the history of the site. She also took the time to make sure that everyone on the tour understood the words she was using, which was fantastic.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you so much for your 5* review! We're really happy you enjoyed your tour of this very special and surprising site! We hope you're having a great time here in Paris!
David_M, Jun 2024
Remy our guide was very knowledgeable. I had been on a tour before and the guide was not as good. Would request Remy for future tours
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your comments which we have passed on to Remi. We're really pleased you enjoyed your tour with him, and we look forward to hopefully welcoming you again should you return to Paris!
Patricio_D, May 2024
It was great, Remi our guide was excellent explaining every details about the catacombs, excellent experience!!👍👌
Response from Host, Sep 2024
The Catacombs are such chilling fun and a great way to experience Paris's history. Fantastic that Remi was able to show you a good time! We will certainly let him know of your kind words. Thanks so much for letting us know!
Jennifer_H, May 2024
Paula was a delightful, friendly and knowledgeable guide. We loved getting to see the more private spots of the catacombs. Great experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We so love to share the thrills and chills of the Catacombs with like minded souls and indeed it's a treat to be able to access the cordonned off spaces. Thanks so much for the kind words and great review which we will be sure to pass on to Paula.
Saundra_G, Apr 2024
We had a wonderful time. Our guide was so kind, and told us personal stories along with the history of the catacombs.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We so love to accompany kindred spirits down into the Catacombs that it's great to know we showed you a good time there. Thank you for leaving a great review!
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Catacombs of Paris Semi-Private VIP Restricted Access Tour
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