Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide

History

The Paris Catacombs, established in the late 18th century, were created to address overflowing cemeteries and public health crises in Paris. By 1786, millions of remains from sites like the Cimetière des Innocents were transferred to the abandoned limestone quarries beneath the city, creating a vast ossuary holding over six million skeletons. These tunnels, originally mined for Paris’s iconic buildings, became a haunting labyrinth, with bones artfully arranged to honor the dead. The Catacombs later served as a refuge for the French Resistance during World War II, adding layers of historical intrigue.

The Seine River, the lifeblood of Paris, has shaped the city since its founding as Lutetia by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. Its banks, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, host landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (1889), Notre-Dame Cathedral (1163–1345), and the Louvre Museum, a former royal palace turned world-class museum. This combined experience juxtaposes Paris’s subterranean past with its radiant surface, offering a dual perspective on the city’s rich history, from medieval spirituality to modern romance.

Highlights

• Explore the Paris Catacombs, a mesmerizing underground maze of millions of remains.
• Enjoy a leisurely 1-hour Seine River cruise with views of iconic landmarks.
• Learn about Parisian history through audio guides in multiple languages.
• Capture unique photos of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre from the water.

Full Description

Uncover Paris’s hidden depths and scenic beauty with this combined Catacombs entry and Seine River cruise experience. Your tickets, emailed 2–24 hours before your Catacombs entry time, grant timed access to the underground ossuary and a 1-hour cruise with Bateaux Mouches, valid for six months. Begin at the Catacombs of Paris (1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy), descending 130 steps into a 20-meter-deep labyrinth. With an audio guide in English, French, German, or Spanish, traverse narrow tunnels lined with the bones of millions, learning about their 18th-century origins and the stories etched in the stones.

After emerging from the Catacombs (112 steps to exit), head to Port de la Conférence (75008 Paris, a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower) for a 1-hour Seine River cruise. Board a comfortable Bateaux Mouches vessel and glide past Paris’s iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. An audio commentary (available in multiple languages) highlights the city’s history, from its Roman roots to its Renaissance and modern eras, while you capture photos of the UNESCO-listed riverbanks bathed in Parisian light. The flexible cruise ticket allows you to schedule it post-Catacombs, offering a perfect blend of eerie history and romantic vistas.

Why Choose This Experience?

This dual experience is ideal for history buffs and romantics seeking a unique perspective on Paris. The Catacombs offer a rare glimpse into the city’s subterranean past, with an audio guide providing context to its haunting beauty. The Seine cruise complements this with a leisurely, scenic journey through Paris’s heart, showcasing its iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point. The timed Catacombs entry minimizes waiting, while the cruise’s six-month validity offers scheduling flexibility.

Perfect for those wanting to combine Paris’s darker history with its radiant charm, this tour suits solo travelers, couples, or small groups. The audio guides ensure accessibility, and the contrast between underground mystery and riverside splendor makes it a memorable addition to any Paris itinerary.

What’s Included

• Timed-entry ticket to the Paris Catacombs.
• Audio guide for the Catacombs (English, French, German, Spanish).
• 1-hour Seine River cruise with Bateaux Mouches.
• Audio commentary for the cruise (multiple languages).
• Cruise ticket valid for six months from Catacombs entry date.

Itinerary

• Catacombs:
  • Arrive at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, show emailed ticket.
  • Descend 130 steps for a 45–60-minute self-guided tour with audio guide.
  • Explore the ossuary’s tunnels and bone arrangements.
  • Exit via 112 steps.
• Seine River Cruise:
  • Head to Port de la Conférence (10-minute walk from Eiffel Tower).
  • Board Bateaux Mouches for a 1-hour cruise.
  • Pass Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, and more with audio commentary.
• Schedule cruise at your convenience (within six months).

Pricing

From $134 per person

Meeting Points

• Catacombs: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
• Seine Cruise: Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris (Bateaux Mouches, 10 minutes from Eiffel Tower) (Open in Google Maps).

How to Get There

• Catacombs:
  • Metro: Line 4 or 6 to Denfert-Rochereau, a 2-minute walk.
  • RER: Line B to Denfert-Rochereau, steps away.
  • Bus: Routes 38 or 68 to Denfert-Rochereau.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Drop-off at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy.
• Seine Cruise:
  • Metro: Line 9 to Alma-Marceau or Line 1 to Franklin D. Roosevelt, a 5–10-minute walk.
  • Bus: Route 72 to Pont de l’Alma, near Port de la Conférence.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Drop-off at Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris.

Good to Know

What to Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for 242 total steps and uneven Catacombs surfaces.
• Warm clothing (Catacombs are 14°C/57°F, even in summer).
• A smartphone for audio guides (bring headphones for clarity).
• A water bottle (no food/drinks allowed in Catacombs).

Know Before You Go:

• Not allowed: Luggage, large bags (no lockers available).
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, cardiac/respiratory issues, or claustrophobia due to 130+112 steps and narrow, deep tunnels.
• Catacombs entry is timed; arrive 10–15 minutes early, as late arrivals forfeit tickets (no refunds).
• Cruise tickets are valid for six months; book a slot with Bateaux Mouches post-Catacombs.
• Catacombs tunnels are slippery and 20 meters underground; wear non-slip shoes.
• The cruise is wheelchair-accessible; contact Bateaux Mouches for arrangements.
• Tickets emailed 2–24 hours before Catacombs entry; ensure a valid email and check spam.

Reviews

• Magnificent place! The Catacombs’ history and respect for old Paris were incredible—feels like walking back in time. Worth it!
• The Catacombs were amazing, though ticket delivery was slightly frustrating. The cruise was beautiful but overcrowded for the price.
• Exciting and interesting Catacombs tour; the river cruise was packed, but the views of Paris’s landmarks were stunning.