What to wear & bring to the Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs sit at a constant 14°C year-round, so bring a jacket or warm layer regardless of the season above ground. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the uneven, sometimes damp stone floors and the 131 steps down plus 112 up. Carry only a small bag, since large bags and luggage aren’t allowed and there’s no cloakroom, along with water, ID if you’re using a reduced ticket, and your phone for photos.
The Catacombs are an easy visit to prepare for, but a handful of practical details make a real difference underground — from what keeps you comfortable in the cold to what you’re simply not allowed to bring in. This guide covers exactly what to wear, what to pack, and what to leave behind before you head to Denfert-Rochereau.
What to Wear
Dress in layers with a jacket or fleece, since the Catacombs hold a constant 14°C underground whatever the weather is doing above ground. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the stone floors can be uneven and slightly damp in places, and you’ll climb 131 steps down at the start and 112 up at the end, with no lift available.
Even on a hot Paris summer’s day, the temperature drops noticeably the moment you’re through the entrance, and it stays that way for the whole 45–60 minute walk. A packable jacket or jumper is enough for most people — you don’t need genuine winter kit, but a T-shirt alone will leave you cold well before you reach the ossuary. Trainers or other closed-toe shoes with a decent sole are the right call; sandals, flip-flops or anything slippery aren’t a good idea given the steps and occasional damp patches underfoot.
What to Bring
Bring only a small bag or day pack, since large bags and luggage are not permitted inside and there’s no cloakroom to leave them at either the entrance or the separate exit. A small bottle of water, ID if you’re booked on a reduced-price ticket, and your phone for photos are the essentials — the audio guide itself is provided as part of standard tickets, so you don’t need to bring your own device or headphones for that.
Pack light. A small bag that fits comfortably on your back or across your body works well for the walk; anything larger risks being turned away at the entrance security check, and since there’s no storage facility on site, you can’t simply check it and collect it later. Bottled water is sensible given the walk takes the best part of an hour, though there’s nowhere to buy food or drink once you’re inside, so bring what you need beforehand.
If you’re using a reduced or child ticket, carry ID or proof of age, since this can be checked at entry. Your phone is fine to bring and photography is generally permitted throughout — just remember flash and tripods aren’t allowed, so a steady hand or a quick edit afterwards gets the best results in the low light. The audio guide is handed out as you enter on the standard ticket, so there’s no need to bring your own earphones or download anything in advance.
What Not to Bring
Large bags, suitcases and backpacks beyond a small day-pack size are turned away at the door, so plan your day around this if you’re catching a Catacombs slot between other stops with luggage — leave bags at your accommodation or use a luggage storage service beforehand rather than arriving with them. Food and drink other than water aren’t permitted inside, and there’s no exception for a quick snack partway through the route.
Beyond the physical items, it’s worth reading up on the rules and etiquette before you go, since a few behavioural expectations — no touching the bones, no flash photography, keeping noise respectful — matter just as much as what’s in your bag for a smooth visit to what is, after all, a tomb.
Practical Notes Before You Go
Check the current opening hours and your booked slot time before setting off, and allow enough time to arrive 10–15 minutes early for the security check with your bag and ticket ready. If mobility, breathing or heart conditions are a concern for anyone in your group, read our accessibility guide first — the stair-only route with no lift and the enclosed, cool tunnels aren’t suitable for everyone, and it’s better to know that before you’re at the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold is it inside the Paris Catacombs?
It’s a constant 14°C year-round, regardless of the season or weather above ground. That’s noticeably cooler than a typical Paris summer day and can feel damp on top of the cold, so a jacket or warm layer is worth bringing even in August.
What shoes should I wear to the Paris Catacombs?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with a decent grip are best, since the stone floors can be uneven and sometimes damp, and the route includes 131 steps down and 112 steps up with no lift. Trainers or walking shoes work well; sandals or anything with a slick sole are best avoided.
Can I bring a backpack into the Paris Catacombs?
A small bag or day pack is fine, but large bags, suitcases and luggage are not permitted, and there is no cloakroom to leave them at the entrance or the separate exit. If you’re carrying luggage that day, arrange storage elsewhere before your visit.
Do I need to bring my own audio guide device?
No. The audio guide is handed out as part of the standard ticket as you enter, in multiple languages, so you don’t need your own device, headphones or an app download. See our ticket and audio guide article for exactly what’s included.
Should I bring water for the visit?
Yes, a small bottle of water is sensible, since the underground walk takes about an hour and there’s nowhere to buy drinks once you’re inside. Food and drink other than water aren’t permitted during the visit itself.
Do I need to bring ID to the Paris Catacombs?
Bring ID if you’ve booked a reduced-price ticket, such as the 18–26 rate, or a child ticket, since age can be checked at entry. Full-price adult tickets don’t require ID, but it’s sensible to have some form of identification with you in Paris generally.
Can I take photos inside the Paris Catacombs?
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the visit, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted, largely to protect the fragile underground environment and out of respect for what remains a burial site. Your phone camera is fine to bring and use.
What should I do with large bags if I’m travelling with luggage that day?
Store luggage at your accommodation, a train station locker or a dedicated storage service before you arrive, since large bags are refused at the entrance and there’s no cloakroom at either end of the visit. Plan this into your day if the Catacombs sit between check-out and a later train or flight.
