Paris Catacombs

Hi

My boyfriend and I are goint to Paris in July and we are planning to visit the catacombes with the skulls in. Just wondered if anybody has been and what it was like. It sounds great, lots of different zones to see.

Thanks

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Catacombes are quite a sight to see. Rows and rows of skulls and other bones. It apparently is going through some renovations but it sounds like it will be reopened by the time you get there in July.

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The catacombs are great! Bring a flashlight and watch your head!

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Please tell me this will be opened by mid-June, it is one of the top must sees on my list. I already bought a small flashlight. No I am not kidding. (:

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Yeh I read that it opens again this april sometime :-)

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You dont need a flashlight if going to the Museum of the Catacombs, only if you go on your own which many people find more exciting (it is illegal, though).

To me, the museum was exciting, different and creepy enough. I am very happy we decided on going, it is something you can%26#39;t see often.

The only thing I found weird is that you go in on one place, go out on a far away spot and are kind of disoriented, no signs to point out which way to go. No big deal, really, if you go around the block the exit is in you find yourself in the same street you went in (only a few blocks further up) and there is a metro station a few feet away.

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What do you mean by it%26#39;s illegal? I thought you were allowed into the catacombs. I thought there was a guided tour into them.

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The subterranean areas underneath Paris are very extensive, and it is those caverns that are illegal to enter. The Paris Catacombs is a regulated area and you are most definitely allowed to pass through that portion of the underground.

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But it%26#39;s not a guided tour. You pay your entrance fee and off you go. But you can%26#39;t really get lost...it%26#39;s a straight walk down the stairs, around the corridors then out again.

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Definitely go! There is one way of going where you wait in line, pay and then descend into the catacombs on a well-marked path that is also well lit. This is the safe, touristy way of seeing the section of the catacombs with the acres and acres of %26quot;beautifully%26quot; arranged bones from various graveyards in Paris. It%26#39;s very cold so bring a wrap and there is water on the floor in places so wear appropriate footwear.

You can also hire a guide to take you on a private tour of the less visited sections of the catacombs. The previous poster that said that is illegal to enter the catacombs on your own and this is correct -they are extensive and there is a good possibility of getting lost and literally never coming out if you try to go on your own. It happens on occasion! Nevertheless, many people use the catacombs for various purposes - drug dealing, art, movies, poetry readings, you name it! The private tours will take you to these more %26quot;bohemian%26quot; sections.

However you choose to see the catacombs I do highly recommend a visit.

Anita

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Hi!

Can you tell me how I can find a guide for the catacombs? That sounds pretty cool!

Thanks!