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Les Catacombes Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm for individuals and noon for groups)
Address 1, place du colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Transportation Métro: Denfert-Rochereau
Phone 01-43-22-47-63
Web site www.carnavalet.paris.fr
Prices Admission 5€ ($6.50) adults, 3.10€ ($4.05) seniors, 2.50€ ($3.25) ages 14-25, free for children under 14
Season Closed Monday and public holidays

Frommer's Review

Every year, an estimated 50,000 visitors explore some 910m (2,986 ft.) of tunnel in these dank catacombs to look at 6 million ghoulishly arranged, skull-and-crossbones skeletons. First opened to the public in 1810, this "empire of the dead" is now illuminated with electric lights over its entire length. In the Middle Ages, the catacombs were quarries, but by the end of the 18th century, overcrowded cemeteries were becoming a menace to public health. City officials decided to use the catacombs as a burial ground, and the bones of several million persons were transferred here. In 1830, the prefect of Paris closed the catacombs, considering them obscene and indecent. During World War II, the catacombs were the headquarters of the French Resistance.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Paris 2008 Frommer's Paris 2008

Author: Darwin Porter
Pub Date: August 27, 2007
Price: $17.99

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Home > Destinations > Europe > France > Paris > Attractions > Les Catacombes