Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide
Explore Paris with Catacombs and Seine Cruise
Paris offers a unique combination of underground mystery and scenic beauty. The Catacombs and Seine River Cruise package lets you explore the city’s hidden past and stunning views. This combo tour gives you a chance to see Paris from two very different angles – beneath the streets and from the water.
The Catacombs take you 20 metres underground into a maze of tunnels lined with bones and skulls. An audio guide tells the story of this eerie burial place as you walk through the cool, dim passages. After emerging back into daylight, you can board a boat for a relaxing cruise on the Seine.
From the river, you’ll see famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. The boat’s commentary points out landmarks as you glide past. This mix of spooky history and scenic views makes for an unforgettable Paris experience.
Discovering the Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past. You’ll explore dark tunnels filled with bones and learn about the creation of this vast underground network.
History and Background
The Catacombs began in the late 18th century as a solution to Paris’s overflowing cemeteries. City officials decided to move bones from graveyards to abandoned quarries beneath the city. Workers spent years carefully arranging millions of skeletal remains in these tunnels.
The underground ossuary opened to the public in the early 19th century. It quickly became a tourist attraction, drawing curious visitors to see the neatly stacked bones. Today, the Catacombs hold the remains of about six million Parisians.
What to Expect on the Underground Tour
Your journey starts with a descent down a narrow spiral staircase. You’ll walk through cool, dimly lit tunnels lined with bones and skulls. Signs explain the history and identify which cemeteries the remains came from.
The tour covers just a small part of the vast network. You’ll see walls of neatly stacked femurs and tibias, as well as artistic arrangements of skulls. Look out for carvings left by quarry workers and later visitors.
An audio guide provides extra details about the site’s history and creation. The tour takes about an hour, ending with another staircase back to street level.
Planning Paris Catacombs Entry and Seine River Cruise
Booking your Catacombs and Seine River cruise experience requires some preparation. Here’s what you need to know about tickets, timing, and meeting points to make the most of your visit.
Timed Access Entry Ticket Details
Your package includes timed entry tickets for the Catacombs. You’ll receive these by email 24 to 2 hours before your scheduled entry time. The tickets grant you access to both the Catacombs and the Seine River cruise.
Make sure to check your email inbox and spam folder for the tickets. Print them out or have them ready on your mobile device.
The audio guide for the Catacombs is available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Choose your preferred language when you arrive.
Best Time to Visit and Entrance Time
The Catacombs can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Your ticket has a specific entrance time for the Catacombs. Arrive at least 15 minutes before this time to allow for security checks.
The Seine River cruise is more flexible. You can take it on the same day as your Catacombs visit or on a different day, depending on your schedule.
Meeting Point Information
For the Catacombs, go directly to the entry gate. Show your ticket to the staff there.
The Seine River cruise has two possible meeting points:
- Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris (Bateaux Mouches)
- Port De La Bourdonnais, pier number 3 (Bateaux Parisiens)
Check your ticket to see which company you’re booked with. Bateaux Parisiens is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, while Bateaux Mouches is a 10-minute walk away.
Arrive at the correct pier at least 15 minutes before your cruise time. Have your ticket ready to show the staff.
Navigating the Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise offers a unique view of Paris’s iconic landmarks. You’ll glide past famous sights while learning about the city’s rich history through audio commentary.
Route and Highlights
Your cruise will likely start near the Eiffel Tower. As you sail along, you’ll see Notre-Dame Cathedral, its Gothic architecture standing proud despite recent fire damage. The Louvre Museum will come into view, its glass pyramid glinting in the sunlight.
Keep your eyes peeled for the ornate Pont Alexandre III bridge and the grand Musée d’Orsay. Your audio guide will point out these sights and share interesting facts about their history and significance.
Most cruises last about an hour, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and snap photos. Remember to dress for the weather, as some boats have open-air seating.
Choosing the Right Cruise Provider
Two popular cruise companies are Bateaux Parisiens and Bateaux Mouches. Both offer similar routes and experiences, but there are slight differences to consider.
Bateaux Parisiens boats tend to be smaller, which can mean a more intimate experience. Bateaux Mouches, on the other hand, often have larger vessels with more deck space.
Check the departure times and locations for each company. Some leave from near the Eiffel Tower, while others depart from other points along the Seine.
Look for cruises that include audio guides in your language. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any interesting information about the sights you’ll see.
Essential Tips for Visitors
Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Paris Catacombs and Seine River cruise. These tips will help you stay comfortable and make the most of your visit.
Comfort and Safety Precautions
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The Catacombs have uneven floors and slippery steps. Bring a light jacket or jumper, as it’s chilly underground.
If you’re prone to claustrophobia, be aware that some passages are narrow. Take breaks if needed.
Those with respiratory issues should consider bringing a face mask. The air can be damp and musty in the tunnels.
Stay hydrated, but note there are no toilets in the Catacombs. Use facilities beforehand.
For the cruise, dress for the weather. It can be breezy on deck, so a warm layer is wise.
Audio Guides and Live Commentary
Pick up your audio guide at the Catacombs entrance. It’s included in your ticket and offers insights in English, French, German, and Spanish.
The guides explain the history and significance of the ossuary. They’re easy to use and enhance your understanding of the site.
On the Seine cruise, audio commentary is available in multiple languages. It points out landmarks and shares interesting facts about Paris.
Some cruises offer live guides instead. They can answer questions and provide a more personal touch to your experience.
Discover More Magical Seine River Experiences in Paris:
Accessibility and Policies
The Catacombs and Seine River cruise have different accessibility options and booking rules. Let’s look at what you need to know before visiting these popular Paris attractions.
Catacombs Accessibility for Visitors
The Catacombs pose challenges for some visitors. There are 131 steps to go down and 112 steps to climb back up. The narrow, uneven paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The air is cool and damp, around 14°C. Wear comfy shoes and bring a light jacket. The ceilings are low in some areas, so watch your head.
For safety, children under 14 must be with an adult. The tour takes about 45 minutes. Audio guides are available in English, French, German and Spanish to enhance your visit.
Cruise Cancellation and Booking Policy
Booking your Seine cruise is easy, but there are some rules to keep in mind. You can book online or at the Port de la Bourdonnais ticket office. It’s best to book in advance, especially in peak season.
Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before your cruise. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel in time. No refunds are given for last-minute cancellations or no-shows.
The cruise lasts about an hour. Audio guides are included in several languages. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to board the boat. The cruise runs in all weather, but may be cancelled for safety in extreme conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many visitors have common questions about the Paris Catacombs and Seine River cruise experience. Here are answers to some key queries to help plan your visit.
How can tickets for the Catacombs be purchased in advance?
You can buy tickets for the Catacombs online through the official Paris Catacombs website or partner websites. Buying in advance lets you skip the queue and choose a specific entry time.
Some tour operators also offer combo tickets that include both Catacombs entry and a Seine River cruise.
What are the operating hours for the Catacombs and the Seine River cruise?
The Catacombs are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM. They’re closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
Seine River cruises run daily, with more frequent departures in summer. Most cruise companies operate from morning till late evening.
Is there a guided tour option available for the Paris Catacombs?
Yes, guided tours are available for the Paris Catacombs. These tours are led by expert guides who share in-depth information about the site’s history.
You can book guided tours through the official Catacombs website or via approved tour operators.
Are there any restrictions or areas off-limits to the public in the Catacombs?
Some areas of the Catacombs are off-limits to the public for safety and preservation reasons. Visitors must stick to the marked route during their tour.
Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Catacombs.
What is the typical duration of a Seine River cruise?
A typical Seine River cruise lasts about one hour. This gives you enough time to see the main sights along the river.
Some evening cruises may last longer and include dinner or drinks.
Are audio guides available in multiple languages for the Catacombs tour and the Seine cruise?
Yes, audio guides are available in several languages for both the Catacombs tour and the Seine River cruise.
For the Catacombs, audio guides are offered in English, French, German, and Spanish. Seine River cruises often provide commentary in even more languages.
