Beneath Paris: Six Million Silent Inhabitants in a 150-Mile Underground Labyrinth

Discover Paris’ Underground Labyrinth of Six Million Skeletons
By Esther Marshall | Updated: 11:32 BST, 8 June 2025

While millions flock to Paris for iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, a chilling secret lies beneath the city’s streets: the Catacombs of Paris, a sprawling network of tunnels housing over six million skeletons.

A Macabre History

In the late 18th century, overflowing cemeteries posed severe public health risks. To address this, authorities relocated millions of remains to abandoned limestone quarries, creating the Catacombs. By 1860, the last bones were transferred, and the site opened sporadically to the public starting in 1809. Today, only 1.5 km of the 174-mile labyrinth is accessible, attracting 550,000 visitors annually.

[Image: Walls of carefully arranged skulls and bones in the Catacombs. Caption: Skeletons were meticulously stacked to create haunting displays.]

What to Expect

Visitors descend 131 steps (20 meters underground) to explore the dimly lit tunnels. The route takes about an hour, winding past haunting displays of stacked skulls and femurs—some arranged in decorative patterns. Despite Paris’ summer heat, temperatures hover around 14°C, offering a cool respite.

Visitor Reviews

The Catacombs boast a 4.1/5 Tripadvisor rating. One guest called it a “unique, informative experience,” while another praised the “skilfully arranged” bones. A nurse highlighted it as a must-see for history and science enthusiasts.

[Image: A narrow tunnel lined with bones. Caption: Only a small section of the 174-mile network is open to tourists.]

Planning Your Visit

• Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.
• Hours: 9:45 AM–8:30 PM (closed Mondays).
• Tickets: €29 (€21 reduced); advance booking recommended.

Brave the eerie depths for a journey through Paris’ shadowy past—where history and mortality intertwine.

[Image: Tourists exploring the underground passages. Caption: The Catacombs offer a chilling glimpse into the city’s history.]

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The six million skeletons hidden in over 150 miles of tunnels under Paris’ streets.

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