Historic military parade in Paris during 1914-1918 showing soldiers marching in uniform

Place Denfert Rochereau

Place Denfert-Rochereau Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Place Denfert-Rochereau, located in Paris’s lively 14th arrondissement, is a captivating square where history, culture, and modern urban life intersect. Once known as Place d’Enfer (“Hell Square”) for its association with the Barrière d’Enfer customs gate, it has evolved into a symbol of French resilience and renewal. Renamed after Colonel Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau, a hero of the Franco-Prussian War, the square today is best known for the monumental Lion of Belfort, the mysterious Catacombs of Paris, neoclassical architecture, and its ongoing transformation as part of Paris’s ambitious urban greening projects (Wikipedia).

This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and the major redevelopment that will shape the future of Place Denfert-Rochereau. Whether you’re drawn to its rich historical layers, its artistic monuments, or the vibrant Parisian atmosphere, you’ll find all you need to plan an immersive visit to this Parisian landmark.

Historic flags of 1870 displayed during the 50th anniversary celebration of the French Republic on Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris

Old postcard of Place Denfert-Rochereau in Paris showing the Lion of Belfort statue and vintage tramway

Historic celebration of the 7th issue of Revue Franco-Nipponne on June 23, 1928 at Place Denfer

Protest against same-sex marriage and adoption law in Paris on April 21, 2013

Etching of Moulin de la Barrière d’Enfer and Sceaux train station in Paris, dating from between 1800 and 1900

Eau-forte illustration of Moulin de la Barrière d’Enfer, Sceaux (gare) by Alphonse Louis Pierre Trimolet

Place Denfert-Rochereau during the Lion of Belfort Festival with people and decorations

Introduction
History and Evolution
From Place d’Enfer and the Barrière d’Enfer
Renaming and the Lion of Belfort
The Catacombs of Paris
Urban Redevelopment and Green Initiatives
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility
Getting There
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources

History and Evolution

From Place d’Enfer and the Barrière d’Enfer

The origins of Place Denfert-Rochereau date back to the late 18th century with the construction of the Wall of the Farmers-General, a customs barrier encircling Paris. The Barrière d’Enfer, designed by architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux, served as one of its principal gates (Wikipedia). This area, initially called Place d’Enfer, developed into a busy intersection linking the city’s southern boulevards and became a central hub for trade and movement (Come to Paris).

Ledoux’s neoclassical tollhouses, with their domed roofs and monumental columns, still stand at the northern edge of the square, providing a physical connection to Paris’s pre-Revolutionary boundaries.

Renaming and the Lion of Belfort

Following France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), the city honored Colonel Pierre Philippe Denfert-Rochereau, renowned for his defense of Belfort. In 1879, Place d’Enfer was renamed Place Denfert-Rochereau—a play on words retaining the original pronunciation but shifting its symbolism from “hell” to heroism (Wikipedia).

The Lion of Belfort, a monumental bronze statue by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (who also created the Statue of Liberty), was installed at the square’s center in 1880. Symbolizing resistance and national pride, it has become an iconic gathering point, especially for public events and commemorations (Come to Paris; frenchmoments.eu).

The Catacombs of Paris

Beneath Place Denfert-Rochereau lie the Catacombs of Paris—an extraordinary ossuary created in the late 18th century to address overflowing cemeteries. Millions of skeletal remains were transferred to the abandoned limestone quarries beneath the city, forming a labyrinthine site that reflects both the city’s expansion and its attitudes toward mortality (History Hit).

Entrance: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, directly on the square
Opening: Public visits began in 1867; today, the Catacombs draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually (Official Catacombs Website).
Cultural Role: The Catacombs have served as a refuge for the Resistance in WWII and a venue for underground gatherings, adding layers to their historical significance.

Urban Redevelopment and Green Initiatives

Place Denfert-Rochereau is at the forefront of Paris’s urban renewal. From 2025, the square will undergo major redevelopment to become a greener, more pedestrian-friendly space (Sortir à Paris; Le Parisien; Paris.fr).

Key Redevelopment Features:

Over 130 new trees and 30,000 plants will be added, expanding green spaces to 7,000 m².
Pedestrian areas will increase by 4,500 m², with car traffic rerouted to give priority to walkers, cyclists, and public transport.
A continuous promenade will link the square’s three gardens, enhancing biodiversity and providing shade.
Dedicated cycle paths and improved bus lanes will promote sustainable mobility.

This transformation aligns with Paris’s citywide climate goals, aiming to reduce pollution, combat heat islands, and create welcoming spaces for residents and tourists alike (France.fr).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Place Denfert-Rochereau: Open to the public 24/7, free of charge.
Catacombs of Paris:
- Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM).
- Closed Mondays and select holidays.
- Tickets: Adults ~€14–€29 depending on options; discounts for youth, seniors, and children under 18 (Official Catacombs Website).
- Advance online booking is strongly recommended due to limited daily entries and high demand.
Musée de la Libération de Paris:
- 4 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
- Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays.
- Free admission.

Accessibility

Square: Wheelchair accessible with paved paths and seating.
Catacombs: Not wheelchair accessible (131 steps down, 112 steps up, no elevator).
Musée de la Libération: Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Redevelopment: Ongoing works (2025–2026) will improve accessibility for all visitors.

Getting There

Metro: Lines 4 and 6, Denfert-Rochereau station
RER: Line B (direct from Gare du Nord and major airports)
Bus: Multiple routes stop at or near the square
Cycling: New bike lanes as part of the redevelopment
Walking: Easy access from Montparnasse and nearby neighborhoods

Nearby Attractions

Lion of Belfort: Majestic statue at the heart of the square (frenchmoments.eu).
Musée de la Libération de Paris: WWII and Resistance history museum.
Montparnasse Cemetery: Resting place of famous writers and artists.
Paris Observatory: The world’s oldest functioning astronomical observatory.
Rue Daguerre: Lively market street with diverse food options.
Parc Montsouris: Expansive park ideal for relaxation and cultural events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Place Denfert-Rochereau and the Catacombs?
A: The square is open 24/7. The Catacombs are open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (last entry at 7:00 PM; closed Mondays).

Q: Do I need tickets for the Catacombs?
A: Yes, advance online booking is highly recommended due to limited capacity.

Q: Is the area accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The square and museum are accessible. The Catacombs are not, due to stairs and uneven terrain.

Q: How do I get to Place Denfert-Rochereau?
A: By Metro (lines 4, 6), RER B, bus, or bicycle. The square is a major transport hub.

Q: Will construction affect my visit?
A: The square remains accessible during redevelopment (2025–2026), though some areas may be temporarily closed or rerouted.

Conclusion

Place Denfert-Rochereau stands as a testament to Paris’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future. Its layered history—from customs gate to heroic landmark—combines with bold urban greening initiatives to offer visitors a unique, multifaceted experience. With its easy access, iconic monuments, nearby attractions, and upcoming transformation, Place Denfert-Rochereau is an essential stop for anyone exploring Paris’s cultural and historical heart.

To enhance your visit, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours, practical tips, and up-to-date information. Explore our related articles on Paris historical sites and green travel, and follow us on social media for inspiration and updates.