131 steps to go down, 112 to come back up, and no strollers allowed: with a toddler, the Catacombs aren’t to be tackled on a whim. The route spans about 1.5 km, roughly 20 meters underground, through former quarry tunnels transformed into an ossuary from the late 18th century. Several million remains were moved here. A distinctly unusual atmosphere that also deserves to be explained to children before the visit.
No. Strollers are forbidden in the Catacombs. The official site advises parents to bring a baby carrier. But beware: simply swapping the stroller won’t automatically make the visit easy with a toddler.
Access is strictly via stairs, with 131 steps to descend and 112 to climb back up. The floor can be uneven and slippery, some passages are narrow and lighting is poor. If you’re carrying a baby, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating 1.5 km and tackling the final 112 steps without the option to retrieve your stroller along the way.
That's the key question to ask before booking. The Catacombs' French site states that children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, with no minimum age set for the standard tour.
Yet the option to enter doesn’t necessarily mean the visit is suitable. The Catacombs are a true ossuary: children walk past walls lined with skulls and human bones. Add to that darkness, narrow galleries, and being 20 meters underground. Official pages aimed at international audiences even discourage visits for young children under 10.
With a child who is sensitive, easily rattled by depictions of death or uncomfortable in tight spaces, it's wiser to postpone the exploration. An adolescent with an interest in Paris's history, however, will be able to approach the site in a very different way.
That's a major constraint: the route is one-way. Once you’ve descended, you don’t tour the Catacombs like a museum where you can easily return to the lobby if a child grows tired. The entrance is at 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, while the exit sits at 21 bis avenue René-Coty, several hundred meters from the starting point.
Before taking a hesitant child along, it's best to clearly explain what they'll see and make sure they're truly keen to do the tour.
Plan on about an hour to traverse the 1.5 km circuit. On top of that, there are 243 steps in total: 131 going down and 112 coming back up. There is no elevator to bypass this hurdle. The Catacombs are therefore not accessible to wheelchair users or people relying on a walker, and the visit is discouraged for those with reduced mobility.
With the kids, also plan to bring good shoes, since the ground can be uneven and slippery.
Yes. It's about 14°C year-round in the Catacombs, and the humidity can be quite high.
Even on a hot day in Paris, bring an extra layer for the kids. A light jacket or a compact sweater that’s easy to carry will spare you from constant complaints about being cold. Also opt for closed, comfortable shoes rather than footwear poorly suited to wet, uneven ground.
No, and that's another important point for anyone visiting with a baby: there's no cloakroom. Luggage, large bags and motorcycle helmets are prohibited. Only bags not exceeding 40 × 30 × 20 cm are allowed and must be carried in front of you or by hand during the visit.
So you won’t be able to arrive with a stroller and simply leave it at the entrance before carrying the baby in a carrier. This lack of guidance is largely explained by the layout of the route: the exit is about 700 meters from the entrance.
No. Eating or drinking in the galleries is prohibited. When you’re with a young child, plan snacks, meals, or a bottle before entering, rather than during the hour spent underground.
The bones obviously must not be touched. This is something to make clear to the younger visitors before you descend: these are human remains, not a reconstructed display.
In 2026, entry is free for children aged 0 to 7. A child rate of €15 applies to ages 8 to 17, with an audio guide included.
The adult price is currently €31, audioguide included. Important note: tickets go on sale only 7 days before the visit date. Due to the limited number of visitors at the site, online booking for a time slot is highly recommended.
When you’re traveling with a family, it’s smarter to note the date tickets go on sale rather than trying to book months ahead of the trip.
With a baby, a primary-school child and a middle-schooler, the Catacombs are therefore one of the Paris sites that require the most careful consideration before a family visit. A teenager will probably appreciate the history and the atmosphere of the place; for a younger child, it will depend a lot on their sensitivity. As for the toddler, no stroller is allowed and the 243 steps mean carrying them for the entire journey. Here, more than anywhere else, it’s better to tailor the outing to the children rather than feel obliged to tick off a Paris staple.
The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital
Have you ever ventured into the Catacombs of Paris? Let's go and discover this creepy brown place, known to all but where most have never been. A fascinating and historic site, a guided tour of the Catacombs is well worth the detour, as well as keeping you cool on hot days. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 22, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Catacombs
1, place Denfert-Rochereau
75014 Paris 14
Route planner
Prices
Enfant de 8 à 17 ans : €15
Tarif réduit 18-26 ans: €25
Tarif plein adulte: €31
Official website
www.catacombes.paris.fr
The Catacombs of Paris, an unusual visit to the bowels of the capital
