Skip to main content
Go Pro

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent1 / 8
  1. Home
  2. France
  3. Paris
  4. Catacombs of Paris

Photos of Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Shawn M. Kent
Catacombs of Paris - Photo by Ann Black

About Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs stretch beneath Paris as a network of former limestone quarries, now lined with the carefully arranged bones and skulls of roughly six million people, creating one of the most visually striking and historically haunting subjects you can photograph. The tight, low corridors and stacked ossuary walls reward a wide angle lens, and compositions that use the tunnel as a leading line toward a focal point work especially well. Lighting is dim and artificial throughout, so bring a fast lens, ideally f/1.8 or wider, and expect to push your ISO; a small tripod or monopod is worth considering if you can manage it without blocking other visitors. Leave your camera bag at the lockers before entering, as luggage is not permitted inside. Visit on a weekday morning when the crowds are thinner and you have more freedom to pause and frame your shots carefully. (Paris, Île-de-France, France)

Where to find Catacombs of Paris

📍 Explore on PIXEO Map →
historiclandmarkhero

Photo Tips and Community Notes

1 review · from people who have shot here

Sign in to post. Your review is public.
Shawn M. Kent15 days ago· edited
Getting there

The best way to get here as there is not really any parking is to take the metro. The metro stations of Saint-Jacques and Mouton Duvernet are both very close to the location.

Best time to shoot

Irrelevant, underground, all of it. Also sells out constantly all year round so no real "best time".

Gear & settings here

No tripods, so bring a fast lens and I would recommend a lightweight camera. The skulls and area can get very dark. Flash is not allowed, but your phones led flashlight, if not overused can assist in lighting.

Rules & hazards

You can only visit if you have a reservation. Reservations can be found online and sell out fast. Typically they book only a week in advance so watch closely for when they become available to book a visit. The nice thing is that there is no guide and you can spend as long as you like. Hang back and shoot to your hearts content. Also, it should go without saying, but don't freaking touch anything.

Anything else worth knowing

This is a photographers bucket list location. Highly recommend. A highlight of our family trip to Paris! Get tickets here: https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en

📍

Nearby Photo Spots