Paris 14: Catacombs, Parks and Observatory

The attractions of Paris 14 range from underground history to architecture and landscaped green spaces. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the focus of your planned trip can help you find your way: are you mainly interested in an underground route, historic architecture, cemetery culture or parkland? The following highlights show different sides of the destination and help you organise your interests as you plan.

Catacombs: Route and access

The visitor route through the Paris Catacombs is 1,500 metres long and extends 20 metres underground. Access is by stairs only: 131 steps lead down, and 112 back up. For planning purposes, both the length and the number of steps are therefore important details. Practical access information may change; check the latest guidance before your visit.

A different kind of visit

The Moulin de la Charité can only be viewed from the outside. Plan to see it from outside—a different focus from the underground tour of the Catacombs.

Parks and landscape

Parc Montsouris is a 15-hectare green space on a former quarry site. Its hilly terrain was artificially created. Both the site’s former use and its designed topography shape the character of the park. Those who consider green spaces in terms of their form and origins will find a distinctive landscape here.

The Cité internationale campus is set in a 34-hectare organically managed park. At 34 hectares, this park is more than twice the size of Parc Montsouris. The two green spaces thus differ both in scale and in their described landscape character.

The Centre du patrimoine offers themed guided tours of the Cité internationale for groups and individuals throughout the year; reservations are required. If you plan to take one of these tours, check the booking conditions in advance.

Observatory: History and architecture

The Paris Observatory was founded in 1667 and has been in continuous operation for more than 350 years. Its history thus combines a specific historical starting point with ongoing institutional activity.

The historic building also offers a distinct cultural and historical focus: it is aligned with the four cardinal directions and was designed by Claude Perrault. The alignment describes the building’s orientation; Perrault’s design offers another perspective from which to explore its architecture. The institution’s history and the building’s design can therefore be considered as separate topics.

Cimetière du Montparnasse

Cimetière du Montparnasse opened on 25 July 1824 and is the final resting place of many notable figures from politics and, in particular, the arts.

The trees also shape the character of the cemetery: its grounds are home to 1,200 trees of 40 different species. The number of trees may change gradually.

Discover more destinations: Gobelins, Paris 17, 9th arrondissement of Paris, Paris 16, 7th arrondissement, 6th arrondissement, 1st arrondissement.

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