The Paris catacombs will close their doors to the public on November 3, 2025, for major modernization work. And to celebrate this closure in style, an exceptional nocturne will take place on November 2 until midnight. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the world’s largest ossuary.
A unique evening in the Paris catacombs
A veritable 300 km labyrinth in the heart of Paris, the catacombs are a unique site in the world! This monumental ossuary, the largest in the world, opened to the public in 1809. Located 20 meters underground, it’s here that the remains of thousands of Parisians have rested for several hundred years.
Inspector Héricart de Thury was responsible for the catacombs’ distinctive decorative design. Prior to his intervention, the bones were piled up on the floor and piled up… But the new arrangement of femurs, skulls and tibias has transformed the galleries into veritable works of art! There are also a number of notable Ancient and Egyptian monuments, such as the sarcophagus of the Lacrymatory and the Samaritan fountain.
A UNESCO World Heritage site under threat…
With almost 600,000 visitors every year, the Catacombs are one of the capital’s most emblematic sites. Over time, however, the site has become more fragile and now requires complete renovation to ensure its preservation and the safety of its visitors. For this reason, the site will close on November 3, for several months of renovation.
To mark the closure in style, a special nocturne will be held on November 2, the day before the work begins. You can discover the beauty of the Catacombs and try to unravel their mysteries until midnight. Ticket sales open on October 26, and tickets are likely to sell out fast. Don’t miss this exceptional event!
📍 Location: 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
📅 Date: November 2 – reservations strongly recommended from October 26