A few steps are enough, from the Catacombs exit, to come across a row of specialized shops where resin skulls, phosphorescent postcards, and esoteric guides reign supreme: Les Catacombes Boutique (21 bis av. René Coty) kicks off the lineup, immediately followed by small independent stores that usually close around 7 p.m.👌
Macabre souvenir shops near the Catacombs: addresses, hours, favorites ☠️
The table below groups the ten must-visit shops located less than 500 m from the underground site; their specialties all flirt with Parisian funerary art.
🏪 Shop | 📍 Address | ⏰ Opening hours | 🧩 Featured souvenir |
---|---|---|---|
Les Catacombes Boutique | 21 bis av. René Coty, 75014 | 10 am–7 pm | Mini bone busts |
Paris Souvenirs Macabres | 3 rue Dareau, 75014 | 11 am–6:30 pm | “Cellar scent” candles |
Mystères de Paris Shop | 14 bd Saint-Jacques, 75014 | 10 am–7:30 pm | 17th-century illustrated guides |
Le Crâne Parisien | 8 rue Hallé, 75014 | 12 pm–8 pm | 3D skull keychains |
Catacombes Collections | 2 rue Emile Deutsch, 75014 | 10 am–6 pm | Vintage anatomical posters |
L’Ossuaire Souvenirs | 5 av. du Général Leclerc, 75014 | 11 am–7 pm | Phosphorescent t-shirts |
Boutique Sépulcrale | 9 rue Froidevaux, 75014 | 10 am–7 pm | “Cemetery flower” jewelry |
Squelettissimo Paris | 6 rue Lalande, 75014 | 11 am–8 pm | Real articulation statuettes |
Souvenirs du Souterrain | 15 rue Boissonade, 75014 | 10 am–6:30 pm | Luminous postcards |
L’Antre des Reliques | 4 rue Victor Considérant, 75014 | 1 pm–7 pm | “Ossuary dust” vials |
- 🗺️ Proximity: all are reachable on foot in less than 7 minutes from Place Denfert-Rochereau.
- 💳 Payment: credit card and contactless accepted everywhere; budget about €15 for an average souvenir.
- 🎁 Limited stock: some numbered editions sell out within a weekend.
Unusual items that hit the mark 🎯
Beyond traditional medals, several shops offer bolder pieces.
- 💀 Build-your-own skull: 42-piece puzzle made from an authentic cast.
- 📜 Secret map of the necropolis: reproduction of 1810 archives, sold rolled up in a waterproof tube.
- 🕯️ “Wet stone” scented candle: created with a Parisian perfumer, it replicates the underground scent.
Tips for choosing a “deadly” original gift ⚰️
Before reaching for your credit card, a few tricks will help you find the piece that truly tells the story of your visit beneath Paris.
- 👁️🗨️ Favor local craftsmanship: some pieces are signed by artists from the 14th arrondissement.
- 📸 Compare details: the patina on a resin skull reveals the quality of the casting.
- 🛍️ Optimize tax refunds: from €100.01 in cumulative purchases on the same day, recover 12% VAT.
- 🔗 Network of ideas: for other gloomy destinations, explore the Louvre shops.
Concrete example: the “Nécro-Chic” bag 👜
Mathilde, a Canadian tourist, combined three items for €57: an anatomical poster (€18), a skull mug (€12), and a pewter pendant (€27). The tax refund saved her €6.84 at the airport.
Budget, ethics, and safety: best practices 💸
The trade in mortuary objects intrigues, but rules exist to respect Parisian history.
- 🚫 No sales of real bones: any authentic piece would involve heritage trafficking.
- ♻️ Recycled materials: several shops use eco-friendly plaster.
- 👜 Free reusable bag from €30 purchase to reduce plastic.
- 🔍 Request the certificate for all silver jewelry.
- 🔗 Want to hunt elsewhere? Head to around the Eiffel Tower or Madrid to diversify your collections.
This vigilance ensures a responsible purchase while supporting the local economy, an essential context in 2025 where the traceability of tourist products is scrutinized by travelers.
FAQ
What is the cheapest souvenir near the Catacombs?
The phosphorescent postcards from Souvenirs du Souterrain start at €2, ideal for a tight budget.
Can items from Les Catacombes Boutique be purchased online?
Yes, an e-commerce shop ships within the European Union within 72 hours, but some numbered prints remain exclusive to the physical store.
Do the shops accept pets?
Only Le Crâne Parisien and Squelettissimo Paris allow small dogs on a leash; others require a basket at the entrance.
What is the best time to avoid the crowd?
Arriving before noon on weekdays reduces wait times at the register and allows access to rare items before they sell out.
Is there a combined pass for visit + souvenir?
Since 2024, a bundled ticket includes entrance to the Catacombs and a €10 voucher at Catacombes Collections, to be booked directly on the official website.
For other memorable gift ideas, also explore Milan, Naples, or the United States to complete your collection. 🗺️