The Paris catacombs have reopened.
 

After three months of renovation, the catacombs are open again. Apparently, some of the bones have been straightened up more artistically, and a new itinerary has been designed to make the walk last an hour instead of the previous 45 minutes.

One of the reopened passages (after a 13 year closure) is the Port-Mahon gallery full of 18th century sculptures, and of course the lighting has also been redone throughout the circuit.

Among the anonymous bones piled everywhere are Danton, Robespierre and the man in the iron mask.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on holidays.
The normal ticket prices are 3.50€ and 7€. Free for children not having reached their 13th birthday.

Thank you for posting this. We are going over the Christmas holiday and my daughters really want to do this as we missed it on our last trip.

Thanks Kerouac - maybe I'll take a tour this time.

Do they offer a tour? I don't recall that...

Thanks for the info. We will be there over the day after Christmas through New Years. We missed it last year in November.

Do you think it will be open the 26th~31st?

Busy tourist period -- it will be open the week after Christmas for sure.

Travelnut - No,no - I didn't actually mean "a guided tour"
Just meant touring the place on our own like others! Sorry if I confused you.

Someone posted a comment on another travel board which might interest tod...
http://tinyurl.com/6hn7l6

Prior to the renovation there was no "tour". It was just a walk around. It's likely to be the same still. I would recommend it as a site worth seeing if time permits. Not an "A" list Paris attraction, but interesting if not actually moving. Be sure to read the history before you go so that you understand that which you will see. Word of warning, if you have any level of claustrophobia do not go. Last time we went I observed 3 people who had to run out. The ticket taker said it is quite common.

Yes, very interestig & informative Coco - thanks for pointing me there!

Nolefan - I will see you there! I will be the one waiting OUTSIDE :-)

Well, I was trying to picture this 'tour'...."and here we have a pile of bones, no one knows whose, and over here another pile of bones.." so thanks for clearing that up!

We found the catacombs to be quite interesting even though a bit macabre.