The City Of Lights is known for many attractions, especially when it comes to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. There are many other unique spots where you can learn more about the rich history of this city and France.
While there are a lot of visible spots, you should also check out what’s hidden underneath the city. The Catacombs of Paris are an amazing subterranean landscape that is over 300 km long, spreading under many streets of Paris.
If you want to check out this place, the best solution is to take a guided tour. In that matter, if you need tickets for various events check out hellotickets. Get here and grab your tickets today for an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
Choosing to go on this tour when visiting Paris will surely make your journey more impressive and memorable. Before you start your adventure, you should learn more about the details that you can expect. We will provide a detailed travel guide in the following article.
Duration of the Tour
When it comes to the standard tour, the length is 1.5 km, and it takes around 45 minutes to complete. However, the time can be a little longer if the paths are crowded. Also, we have to mention that this is only the standard tour chosen by most visitors.
On the other hand, there are some options for those who are looking for a more exciting experience. The extended tour will provide you with the ability to check out some hidden spots and learn more about the turbulent history of Paris, and what was happening beneath the streets.
If you are interested in checking out more than the standard tour, keep in mind that the tour will last for around 2 hours. Also, the duration could change depending on various factors, such as waiting lines, photo sessions, and the tour guide can also make a longer break at some point while sharing some interesting information.
Another impact is the fact that the tour is limited. Only a group of 200 people is allowed to visit the catacombs. Therefore, going there during the peak season may lead to hours of waiting in line.
It may sound strange or even annoying that only 200 people can be in catacombs at a time, but that provides some benefits as well. For example, the group won’t have to be in a tight line. You will have at least some freedom to check out different details and corners.
Always Book in Advance
This place is very popular. Therefore, simply going there and planning to wait in line for tickets, and then continue to the catacombs is not the best approach. You will save a lot of time if you reserve your tickets online.
There are some websites where you can complete the whole process, and get your ticket in a digital form. The average waiting time for tickets is 2 days. This should be valuable information when you are planning your trip to Paris and booking a room there.
Discovering the winter charm at the Louvre adds a magical touch to your Parisian experience, leaving you wondering about the possibility of snow in the City of Light.
On the other hand, if you forgot to book in advance, or you didn’t plan to visit the catacombs at all, but you now changed your time, there is still a way to make the whole process less annoying. We recommend you to go there at least 30 minutes before opening. The opening time is at 09:45. Therefore, if you go there at 9:00, the chances are great that you will be the first in the line.
Historical Value
The main reason why people started building these catacombs was because of the diseases that were spreading in France during the 18th century. All contaminated bodies were brought under the earth to prevent further spread of infections.
Quickly after the pandemics, the role changed completely, and these hidden spots became a base for revolutionaries that changed France from a monarchy to one of the first republics in Europe.
You should keep in mind that some spots down there could be disturbing since the walls are made of human remains. According to research, there are remains of over 6 million people. At the beginning, there was no order, and it was difficult to go through the catacombs and not get lost.
However, things started to change during the 19th century when professionals started to renovate the walls and create an order with a detailed plan and guide to each corner. They also had a very important role during World War II since the rebellion forces were hiding there.
The modern appearance was achieved during the 20th century, when the city decided to invest more in renovation and development by adding ornate portals, poetic inscriptions, and many other details that make this place so unique today.
Prepare for the Trip
As we already mentioned, booking in advance is the best way to save yourself from annoying waiting in long lines. However, there are also some other details that will make your tour more comfortable.
For instance, the temperature in the catacombs is 14 degrees Celsius, even during the summer. Also, the humidity is higher, and there are many places with water all around, or even leakages from the walls and ceilings.
Therefore, a light jacket and a comfortable pair of shoes are a requirement that will help you enjoy the whole trip. The downside is that this place is not available to people in wheelchairs. If you have a backpack, keep in mind that only those smaller than 40 x 30 cm are allowed, and you will have to hold it in your hands all the time.
Another important detail is that you are not allowed to touch the bones. Moreover, don’t be surprised when you get out since the exit is not in the same place as the entrance. The gift shop is selling some spooky items, which is not a surprise since the main focus is on skulls and bones. You can easily find something that will remind you of this place.
Another important detail is that there are restrooms available, which means that you don’t need to worry about the toilet even if you choose a 2-hour long trip.
Last Words
It is up to you when it comes to the duration of the tour since you can choose between two available options. On the other hand, there are things that could affect the longer waiting time, and the best way to deal with that is by getting the card in advance.
