Père-Lachaise Cemetery
The Père-Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most renowned cemeteries in the world
The Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris. This does not include the suburbs though, just the main city. It is also known as the East Cemetery or cimitiere de l'Est. It is said to be the most frequently visited cemetery in the world and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year as they come to view the final resting place of those who have impacted France over the years in ways great and small.
The cemetery is on the property of Pere Francois de la Chaise, the confessor to king Louis XIV. The property was bought in 1804 by the city and laid out by Alexandre-Theodore Brogniart under the orders of Napoleon. The first person to be buried here was a five year old girl, Adelaide Pailliard de Villeneuve.
The cemetery was not very popular as it was not on consecrated ground and was situated far from the original city of Paris. This was remedied by the transfer of the remains of La Fontaine, Moliere, Pierre Abelard and Heloise. This caused a sudden rise in popularity as people wished to have their remains rest in the vicinity of these much loved and respected personalities. The population of the cemetery has risen from 13 in the first year to over a million, not counting those who were cremated and their remains held in the crematorium.
The cemetery is still in operation today however you have to meet a number of criteria if you wish to be buried there. You have to pass away in the capital city and you have to be at the top of the waiting list as there are not many plots still available in Pere-Lachaise Cemetery. In many instances the remains of family members are interred in the same grave or tomb to save space.
There is no admission fee for those who wish to come to pay their respects. Many people like to enter via Oscar Wilde's tomb and then visit the rest of the cemetery from there. You will also be able to see the final resting place of Chopin, Rossini, Proust, Colette and Jim Morrison.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoPère-Lachaise Cemetery Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: 75020 Paris, France
Phone: 01 55 25 82 10
Official Website: Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Père-Lachaise Cemetery Reviews
Rated out of 5
Such a beautiful place ❤️ It seems like the autumn season might complement it best, too. This is something to prioritize during your time in Paris because it's truly worth the visit. No picnicking or alcohol allowed (amongst other things) but it's OK to bring a hot drink and stroll through the grounds.
Everywhere you turn is very scenic - you'll have dozens of photo opportunities. I spent 2.5 hours and only got through about 65% but I did take my take as well. Also, flats would be more appropriate due to the cobblestones but I got by fine with my heeled boots too
Re Views - a month ago
An active cemetery where the living meets their departed. Many famous people are buried here. You can find tombs centuries old. It's a fusion of the soul, art, tranquil and nature. Visited during fall. Entrance is free.
Rajesh V - a month ago
The entrance to the cemetery is free. At the entrance you will be given a paper map (for free as well) it was so useful! The place is huge and every street has a name so it helped a lot to make it to the tombs I wanted to visit and also find my way back to the entrance.
It’s an active cemetery, when I was leaving a service was about to begin.
Very quiet place with lots of history and art
Dolores Lavalle Cobo - a month ago
The famous cemetery in paris. It is a bit strange to walk there and it is not easy if you’re walking uphill, but they have some nice looking tombstones if you’re into that, and at the top of the hill there is a church but it was closed.
Mike Aoun - 4 weeks ago
Well worth the visit, we took a couple of metros to get here from the centre of Paris and did not take long. Arrived around 9AM to catch the October sun. The place is very relaxing and you could walk here all day if you want to. So many fascinating things to look at here. It's worth going just to relax and take it all in.
random User - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M2 or M3 | Père Lachaise | 0 minutes |
How to get to Père-Lachaise Cemetery by Metro / RER
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 or 3 to Père Lachaise Station; take the Menilmontant exit and look for the entrance through the stone wall directly across the street. (0 minutes).
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Photo Gallery
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Grand monumental markers at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by NatalieMaynor -
Photo Credit: dbaron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jannis_V - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: string_bass_dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: claudia.schillinger - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeanne Menjoulet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr
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