Need help with a visit to the catacombes in Paris.
Apr 18th, 2007, 04:20 PM
#1
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Need help with a visit to the catacombes in Paris.
I am having a difficult time figuring out exactly where in Paris the catacombes are. I have a map (small one) in a guide book, but trying to locate it on a larger Paris map seems to be a difficult feat. The cloesest metro stop isn't even on my metro map. My husband wants to check out this site since we saw a documentary on it on tv. Can anyone help me out with location? You're help so so greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Apr 18th, 2007, 04:35 PM
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Found this website, hope this helps - Denfert-Rochereau metro stop
http://www.showcaves.com/english/fr/misc/Catacombs.html
http://www.showcaves.com/english/fr/misc/Catacombs.html
Apr 19th, 2007, 03:52 AM
#3
Leaving the catacombs is more fun, because the exit is on a small street far from the entrance, and your first reaction is "where the hell am I?" But if you walk in the direction of the street where you see a lot of traffic, you will find that you are (I think) at the Alésia metro stop. Either that one or Mouton-Duvernet.
Apr 20th, 2007, 03:27 PM
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The catacombes is in a cool neighborhood in Paris...I forget the location, just Google...having said that, dont expect much...its quite boring after the first 10 minutes...its all the same for an hour..skulls and bones...nothing really great...my opinion is that its a tourist trap..but worth checking out...do bring a flashlight....
Apr 20th, 2007, 07:30 PM
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We went to the catacombs last September, I had read about it but wasn't prepared for how big it is, the number of bones and skulls is amazing. Wear good walking shoes, the path is stone, uneven and part were wet. Also check out the times it is open, someone here posted directions last year and also gave some guidelines for the times, I can't find them right now but I will look for them. Maybe someone else knows what days & times the catacombs are open?
Apr 20th, 2007, 07:50 PM
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We just went there in March, it's good. It is indeed the Alesia metro stop, but it still difficult to locate, don't get frustrated trying to find the small sign, ask someone. It is about a half block from the metro stop, on the other side of the street, sorry that I can't be more specific.
Apr 20th, 2007, 07:51 PM
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The lion in the sculpture in Place Denfort-Rochereau is looking at the entrance to the Catacombs. It's a tiny nondescript door, so check out the lion to save some time. I would also get there right when it opens. There was no line at opening time when we were there, but after we left (by the exit on the other street) we passed the entrance again and there was a very long line waiting. My boys enjoyed the designs made by the bones and skulls.
Apr 21st, 2007, 03:24 AM
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Excellent description of the entrance, Kwren. We stayed just 3 blocks from there from Aprl 13-17th and planned to visit the Catacombs on Tuesday morning (the 17th). We saw a sign pointing the general direction as we were leaving the Denfert-Rochereau RER/Metro stop when we arrived from CDG on Friday morning but didn't go seek out the exact location. When we did finally look for the location (on Monday night) we discovered we had been having our breakfast in the little park behind the entrance every morning, not knowing how close we were.
Definitely arrive at (or BEFORE) opening time. We arrived at opening time and there were already more than 150 people in line. Some school groups had arrived by bus just ahead of us. They only let 100 in at a time, so we had about a 35-45 minute wait before we got in. It was worth the wait, however. Even if you've seen it on TV or on the web, you don't realize the full scope and exactly how many bones are there until you are there.
Definitely arrive at (or BEFORE) opening time. We arrived at opening time and there were already more than 150 people in line. Some school groups had arrived by bus just ahead of us. They only let 100 in at a time, so we had about a 35-45 minute wait before we got in. It was worth the wait, however. Even if you've seen it on TV or on the web, you don't realize the full scope and exactly how many bones are there until you are there.
