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Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité

ArchaeologyHistoryClosed todayFrom €9Cité (Metro Line 4)

The Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité is an underground archaeological museum set beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Opened in 1980, it preserves remains uncovered during excavations in the 1960s and 1970s, including Gallo-Roman baths and ramparts, medieval cellars, and the foundations of vanished churches and hospitals. Run by Paris Musées, it traces the urban evolution of the Île de la Cité across two millennia, with 3D reconstructions bringing successive eras of the city to life.

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Permanent Collections

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Address

7 place Jean-Paul II, Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, France

Nearest station: Cité (Metro Line 4), Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER B/C), Saint-Michel (Metro Line 4)

Admission

€9

Reduced 7 EUR; free for under-18s. 11 EUR / 9 EUR during temporary exhibitions.

Visitor Information

How much does Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité cost?
Standard adult admission to Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité is €9. Reduced 7 EUR; free for under-18s. 11 EUR / 9 EUR during temporary exhibitions.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité?
Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm); closed Mondays and some public holidays. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité?
Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité is located at 7 place Jean-Paul II, Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, France, in the Île de la Cité (4th arrondissement) area of Paris. The nearest stations are Cité (Metro Line 4), Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame (RER B/C), Saint-Michel (Metro Line 4).
What can I see at Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité?
Beneath the Notre-Dame forecourt, an underground crypt reveals 2,000 years of Paris, from Gallo-Roman quays to Haussmann's sewers. Current highlights include The Seine (Dans la Seine), The Archaeological Crypt: 2,000 Years of Paris.
Do I need to book Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)