Paris Catacomb And Sewer Tours: How Arduous?

Factual Questions
1

Would a couple of mid- to late-60s, fairly healthy, mobile-enough-in-everyday-life, capable-of-climbing-some-stairs-but-not-too-many, somewhat-overweight, and short-winded (after all these pejoratives, I don’t think I’ll show them this thread) tourists be able to navigate, with not-unreasonable discomfort, the Paris catacombs and/or the Paris sewer tour?

TIA.

2

I took the tour in the catacombs about five years ago, and the paths were well kept. The walking is easy. It’s a long walk through the catacombs, though, and after five million skulls it gets kind of boring.

3

So, in answer to your question, yes. :slight_smile:

4

I haven’t done the sewer tour, but I went round the touristy bit of the catacombs about half-a-dozen years ago. Doubt that it’d cause you that much trouble. I don’t really recall the stairs back to the surface, which in itself suggests they weren’t too bad. At a guess, no worse than climbing two to three stories. The catacombs didn’t really have to be too deep after all, just lower than the basements. It’s a moderately long hike given it’s underground - perhaps half a mile or so - but that’s all on the level and well lit. Claustrophobia might very easily cause problems.
It’s all very atmospheric and I routinely highly recommend it to friends who’re traveling to the city.

5

I did the sewer tour when I was in Paris with my family some years ago, and I don’t recall it being too arduous. I have some issues with steep/long staircases at times, so I can definitely say there weren’t any that caused me any problems. My brother would’ve been 9 at the time, and he didn’t have any trouble either - just as well, since going on it was his idea in the first place.

So, barring claustrophobia, I don’t think the sewer tour would cause any problems either.

6

The Sewer Museum is easy going on the feet.

[Nelson]
Smell you later!
[/Nelson]

7

THe Catacombs no problem but I agree with Maastricht’s comment, it could get boring. I’m not sure the catacombs are actually open at the moment tho’. They were closed a while back for maintainence or some such. For insight into Paris tourist issues try this site .