Les Catacombes de Paris: 200 Years of a Unique Ossuary Museum
Since their transformation from a quarry to an ossuary in 1809, the Catacombes have become a popular destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of guests each year. With an entry fee set at a record 31 euros, they welcome around 600,000 visitors annually, primarily from abroad, who are required to reserve time slots. Isabelle Knafou, the administrator, mentioned that the site was originally intended for a limited audience. Due to inappropriate behavior from visitors, Prefect Rambuteau closed it in 1830. Established in the 19th century to solve urban issues, the Catacombes involved relocating two million remains from the Cimetière des Innocents. Designed by Louis-Étienne François Héricart de Thury, the space reopened in April 2026 following renovations.
Key facts
- The Catacombes de Paris opened to tourists in 1809.
- Entry fee is 31 euros, a record for a Parisian heritage site.
- 600,000 visitors annually, mostly foreigners, must book a time slot.
- In 1830, Prefect Rambuteau closed the site due to immoral visitor behavior.
- The ossuary was created to solve the collapse risk of medieval quarries and overflowing cemeteries.
- In 1780, a mass grave at Les Halles spilled into cellars, leading to the transfer of bodies.
- Two million bodies were moved from Cimetière des Innocents to the quarries over 15 months.
- Louis-Étienne François Héricart de Thury designed the Catacombes as a museum with bone walls and inscriptions.
- The site reopened in April 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Inspection Générale des Carrières (IGC)
- Cimetière des Innocents
- Parlement de Paris
- Le Journal des Arts
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Les Halles
- Vienne
- Valence