Paris Catacombs: a major historical restoration and a new route to discover in 2026

The Catacombs of Paris attract many tourists and the curious every year: in the basements of Paris lies a gigantic ossuary where the remains of millions of Parisians are preserved. This unique site, with its rich history, is a curiosity to be visited at least once during a stay in Paris. However, the Catacombs are deteriorating over time.

In 2023, the City of Paris therefore launched a major restoration program, scheduled to last until spring 2026. The underground museum is benefiting from renovation work at several points along the route, modernization of facilities and a new scenography for visitors.

The City of Paris explains: " These works will be carried out with a dual objective: to ensure better conservation of the remains, and to improve visitor comfort, thanks to a completely renewed scenography, articulated around a new narrative project highlighting the entire history of the site ".

Here are the key points of this ambitious project:

• Restoration of the "Hague des Martyrs de septembre": launched in autumn 2023, this restoration is the first stage of the program. It highlights the fragility and historical importance of these bone structures, right in the heart of the Catacombs.
  
  
• Renovation of two other hagues (2024-2025): work continues with the restoration of two other hagues, scheduled for 2024 and 2025. These restorations are part of the long-term preservation of the ossuary.
  
  
• Modernization of technical installations (2025-2026): this crucial part of the program aims to renew the Catacombs' technical installations. The aim is twofold: to improve conservation of the remains, and to offer an enhanced visitor experience, with a completely revamped scenography and narrative trail.

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The"Hague des Martyrs de Septembre" is a poignant witness to the French Revolution, recalling the tragedies of September 1792, when many political prisoners were executed.

The Catacombs mediation trail has also been enhanced. Since September 2023, visitors have benefited from new explanatory panels, improved signage and interactive digital devices. A multilingual audioguide guides visitors through the 1.5 km-long historical and geological trail.

Modernization work continues in 2025 and 2026, to transform the Catacombs experience. Technical installations are also being modernized to offer a more immersive and informative visit, highlighting the site's history and heritage.

The Catacombs of Paris, an integral part of the 14 museums and sites of the City of Paris, are a key element of Parisian heritage. This restoration program is a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover this historic site, a living testimony to the history of Paris and a tribute to past generations. The complete reopening of the site is scheduled for spring 2026.

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