What is it - When people think of the City of Lights, there are many prominent landmarks and activities that come to mind. Visitors to Paris are likely to stop by the Eiffel Tower, view artwork and treasures at the Louvre, take a boat ride on the Seine River, and enjoy French cuisine at fashionable cafes. Even these wonderful experiences may not be enough to convince teenagers to look up from their cell phones. One unusual attraction in Paris that young people will likely enjoy is a visit to the Paris catacombs. While somewhat macabre, touring this historic Paris landmark for an hour or so will provide an experience they will tell their friends about. 

The history of how the catacombs came into existence is quite unusual. From the early middle ages until the late 1700s as Paris grew into a major city, cemeteries were built throughout residential and merchant areas in a haphazard manner. Eventually, the odor from these crowded graveyards together with the subsurface collapse of one major cemetery led to a crisis. The crown placed a ban on any burials within the capital and began to explore a more permanent solution. Fortunately, Paris was constructed largely out of limestone, which had been quarried from hundreds of miles of tunnels located beneath the city.  In 1786, the King's engineer came up with a plan to empty the cemeteries and transport all the bones and remains of an estimated 5 million Parisians for reburial in the underground quarries. Over the next 12 years, this mission was accomplished in an organized manner.by a workforce of laborers and engineers accompanied by priest. The result was the construction of a huge central graveyard that extends for miles under a large section of the capital. 

Napoleon’s Tourist Attraction

Surprisingly, it was Napoleon who determined that a small portion of the Paris catacombs should be opened to the public because of his familiarity with the popularity of the catacombs outside Rome. The project maintained some degree of solemnity and respect for the deceased by building some shrines and monuments in certain places in the catacombs.  Other portions of the tunnels were carved out to create decorative arrangements of the bones for viewing.  Today, the catacombs are open for a limited number of visitors from Tuesdays to Sundays. Guided tours are sometimes available, but many people enjoy an audio tour which explains the major sites along the way.

It is difficult to describe the oscillaries and displays that you will find in the catacombs. One chamber may have a stack of leg bones arranged to create a pattern or an image. Another one has piles of skulls staring out at you. There are also some stand-alone sculptures and murals which were left behind to commemorate the deceased in that location or the efforts of the workmen. It has now been over 150 years since any of the dead or their bones were interred in the catacombs but the legacy of 30 or 40 generations of Parisians who built one world's greatest cities remains.

The public areas are well lit, and the route is easy to follow. However, young children or people who are not comfortable in enclosed spaces or sensitive to mortality issues may find the attraction unnerving.

Interesting Facts - It is reported that prior to the French revolution, the nobility held parties down in the catacombs which ironically forecast the fate of some aristocrats. Later, during World War II, the French resistance often hid out from the German occupation or conducted operations from the tunnels. 

When to Go - Paris has a climate which is comparable to Boston or New York so late April to early October are usually a good time to visit the city. Given the underground location of the catacombs, it can be cold and damp there during the cooler months or extended periods of precipitation so it is recommended to dress appropriately or bring another layer of clothing with you. However, the catacombs are open year-round and can be visited in the off-season if preferred.

How to Get Here - There are direct flights from to Paris from major cities in the United States and Europe. Airlines with the most flight options to Paris are the Air France and Delta but United also has competitive fares. Once you are in the city, the unimposing entrance is at a small building located across the street from the subway stop at 1 Place Denfert- Rochereau in the Montparnasse section.

Cost – It is highly recommended that you buy your tickets online in advance which provides a timed admission and will result in avoiding the line for a limited number of same day tickets. The basic cost for online tickets is 24 euros for each adult and 5 euros for children.  There are reduced prices for last minute tickets and sometimes other special rates such as for a dual ticket or for older students.