After several months of closure, the Catacombs of Paris are finally reopening their doors to the public this Wednesday, with a completely redesigned tour. This unique site, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, has undergone major modernization work designed to improve the visitor experience while preserving this fragile heritage.
We tested the new tour route at the Catacombs of Paris
Closed since November 2025, the Catacombs have undergone extensive renovations focusing on technical infrastructure, safety, and the enhancement of the visitor experience. The goal is clear: to make the visit smoother, more understandable, and more immersive, while respecting the site’s unique atmosphere.
The major new feature is the complete redesign of the visitor route. Approximately 1.5 kilometers long and located 20 meters underground, it remains largely similar in structure but has been enhanced with new scenography. In particular, the lighting has been redesigned to better highlight the galleries and rows of bones, offering a clearer understanding of the site.
Another major development: the introduction of an immersive audio experience. Thanks to audio devices (headphones or enhanced audio guides), visitors can now follow a narrative as they make their way through the site. This content provides a deeper understanding of the site’s history, from the transfer of the bones in the 18th century to the transformation of the former quarries into an ossuary.
In terms of visitor support, educational materials and visual displays enhance the tour to make it more accessible, particularly for those discovering the Catacombs for the first time.
These changes address a major challenge: better managing visitor flow at a particularly popular site. With nearly 600,000 visitors a year, the Catacombs are among the most visited sites in the capital. Online booking is strongly recommended, with time slots designed to limit crowds and ensure a more comfortable visit. To secure a ticket, reservations open one week before the visit.
Despite these new features, the spirit of the place remains intact: the narrow galleries, the macabre atmosphere, and the presence of millions of bones continue to make the Catacombs a unique experience, both historical and sensory.
More modern, more immersive, yet just as fascinating as ever, the Catacombs of Paris are expected to continue attracting curious visitors and heritage enthusiasts with this redesigned tour.
📍Catacombs of Paris – 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
📆 Reopening on April 8, 2026