The catacombs are probably one of the most intriguing places to visit in Paris. This mysterious place takes us to the heart of the underground quarries that stretch beneath the capital. It's also known for its impressive ossuary, which lends it that mystical aura while also bearing witness to the history of the City of Light. But as of November 2025, the Paris catacombs will be closed for six months of renovation work.
Paris Catacombs reopen, what does the new route look like?
After several months of closure, the Catacombs reopen to the public on April 8, 2026. Restoration of the historic vaults, modernization of facilities, and a new scenography: here’s what’s changed. [Read more]
As a result, visitors will no longer be able to access this tour during the redevelopment period. But why not take advantage of this opportunity to discover other lesser-known, yet fascinating sites in Paris and the Paris region? In the four corners of the Paris region, secret crypts and labyrinthine underground passages are hidden nuggets that deserve to be discovered.
Calling all seasoned explorers, the time has come to set off on an adventure: here are the mysterious visits to make for lovers of places steeped in history that take us off the beaten track. This page is updated as we make new discoveries and announce new tours, so be sure to check back regularly for new routes to explore!
Near Paris, unusual tours unveil a hidden maze of lesser-known historic cellars
Beneath the streets of Sèvres in the Hauts-de-Seine, an unexpected network of tunnels uncovers a forgotten heritage. The Caves of the King now provide guided tours that take visitors on a journey through history, catering to curious explorers eager to uncover unusual treasures in Île-de-France. [Read more]
In the Île-de-France region, these underground quarries are set to reopen to visitors soon.
The underground heritage of the Paris region is about to witness the revival of a historic site. In Ivry-sur-Seine, the Delacroix quarry cellars are the focus of a preservation project that aims to reopen them to the public by 2027. [Read more]
The Merovingian Crypt of Jouarre: A Must-Visit Treasure in Seine-et-Marne (77)
Are you eager to uncover the treasures of Seine-et-Marne? Experience a step back in time with a visit to the Merovingian crypt at Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey, one of the few remaining monuments of its kind that’s open to the public. [Read more]
The cellars of Pontoise (95): plunge into the city's mysterious underground world
Beneath the medieval streets of Pontoise, in the Val d'Oise, lies an astonishing treasure: medieval cellars that bear witness to the town's past. An unusual, original and little-known tour of the Île-de-France region awaits you, upon reservation. Find out more about Les caves de Pontoise, an astonishing place within easy reach of the Navigo transport network! [Read more]
Les souterrains de Provins: discovering medieval cellars
Want to explore the underbelly of a medieval city? In Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unusual visit awaits you. Beneath the ramparts and houses of yesteryear, an underground network steeped in history invites you on an architectural, mysterious and historic adventure. [Read more]
Val d'Oise (95): In Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, exceptional tours of the Bonaparte crypt
In the Val d'Oise, the town of Saint-Leu-La-Forêt is home to the crypt of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's family, located within the Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles church. The crypt is open to the public from time to time for special visits. [Read more]
The Musée des Égouts de Paris (Paris Sewers Museum): discover the underbelly of the capital
The Musée des Égouts de Paris is one of the capital's most cult and unusual experiences, where you can wander six feet underground in a slightly damp atmosphere! [Read more]
And to find out more :
Ruins to explore in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, relic sites to discover
It's possible to visit ruins in Paris and the Ile-de-France region! Remains of medieval castles, relics of an ancient city and other curiosities await you in the four corners of the Paris region. Here's where to find these fascinating places almost swept away by time, where nature has reclaimed its rights. [Read more]
Crypts open to the public in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: secret tours to discover
Paris may be an open-air museum, but the underground heritage of the Paris region is also fascinating. We take you on a tour of crypts in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, some of which are open to the public for special visits. Under the cobblestones... history! [Read more]
Unusual anecdotes about Parisian tombs and cemeteries
Paris is a city steeped in history, and its cemeteries are also filled with fascinating legends. We take you on a journey to discover the unusual anecdotes associated with Parisian tombs. [Read more]
Paris Catacombs reopen, what does the new route look like?
