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Original poster

Paris catacombs

14 replies

Beezknees · 07/08/2024 11:26

Heading to Paris in a few weeks and this is something I really want to do. However I'm not a big fan of enclosed spaces.

Can anyone who has been tell me if it feels very claustrophobic and how long you are down there for? Thank you.

OP posts:
Lolliloo1 · 07/08/2024 11:30

I went with my (then) 14 year old a few years ago and we found it a strange but interesting experience. However it does feel enclosed and the tunnels are dark and low in places, so I think if you don’t like enclosed spaces you might find it difficult. I can’t quite remember how long we were in there maybe 45 minutes to an hour you walk quite a long way.

StarlightLady · 07/08/2024 12:41

Given your comments l would suggest it’s not for you.

lt’s a lovely city (UK born but used to live there) and there are lots of other fun things to do.

Yogagrandmum · 07/08/2024 12:42

Book ahead as only a few people can go at a time, there were lots of times I didn’t see another person. It was fab.

Redditchcycler · 07/08/2024 12:44

I went a few years ago. I am not normally worried about enclosed/ underground spaces but hated it and jogged through to get it over with. It wasn't for me at all

custardlover · 07/08/2024 12:47

I think it fascinating but takes around an hour and you are in catacombs filled with bones and skulls below the city - probably not for you if you don't like enclosed spaces

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 07/08/2024 12:52

It probably isn't for you if you don't like to feel enclosed. Obviously you're surrounded by human remains which adds to the unease in the small space. It is interesting, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has claustrophobia of any degree.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 07/08/2024 12:55

TBH, I suspect it’s too late to book tickets. My dd tried to get tickets some weeks in advance. They also nipped down early in the morning to see if anything was available, without success.

Mama1980 · 07/08/2024 13:04

Tbh you've probably left it too late tickets go super fast.
I've been many time they are long, dark, damp and I'd say not suitable for those with claustrophobia. You can get out at various points - via emergency steps put in for safety - but it's a long walk back up - the catacombs are very deep so there is no quick way out if you are uncomfortable.
They are also strange, eerie, spectacular and a truly amazing experience....but given what you've said I'd probably suggest that you give it a miss.

Original poster
Beezknees · 07/08/2024 13:26

Thanks for the comments. They only sell tickets 1 week in advance now on the official website so not worried about getting tickets.

OP posts:
WhataPithy · 07/08/2024 13:47

We were in Paris in 2022 and visited the catacombs. I’m slightly claustrophobic but I was fine down there. I think it helps that it’s not heaving with people. It took about an hour all in all.

Fifteentreefrogs · 07/08/2024 13:50

I usually love things like that but actually found it difficult to deal with when there.
It is very disorientating and the bones being real human bones.. I didn't estimate what an unsettling effect that would have.
Glad I went as it was interesting.. but I'd not go back.

Mama1980 · 07/08/2024 15:29

The release day and time is somewhat open to interpretation, it's a well known annoyance so just keep an eye if you do decide to go for it as they sometimes are released early or in dribs and drabs.
Forgot to add earlier the tour they give you is just about and hour long, most take about 90 minutes. You also have to duck at some points in the tunnels unless you're pretty short.

Original poster
Beezknees · 07/08/2024 17:15

Mama1980 · 07/08/2024 15:29

The release day and time is somewhat open to interpretation, it's a well known annoyance so just keep an eye if you do decide to go for it as they sometimes are released early or in dribs and drabs.
Forgot to add earlier the tour they give you is just about and hour long, most take about 90 minutes. You also have to duck at some points in the tunnels unless you're pretty short.

Thanks. I checked today and they're still only selling 7 days in advance due to ticket fraud apparently, maybe it's to do with the olympics/big influx of tourists this month. So I've got a bit of time to think on it!

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