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
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 - a month ago
I have been planning to go to this cemetery for 20 years. We spent there at least 2 hours. I suggest you get a map at the nearby metro station. And check the official online page to find the exact locations of the tombs
Victoria Lengei - 2 weeks ago
I absolutely adored the style and atmosphere in this cemetery, it is so artistic and beautiful to behold! The scenery is beyond poetic, and I am glad that I have managed to visit it in the Autumn, as this season fits it most.
Ioana P - 2 months ago
If you enjoy strolls through cemeteries then Père-Lachaise must be at the top of the list. Clearly there are many celebrated people are buried here, and it is only right to pay respects, but the stories behind so many of the 'everyday' people laid to rest here are what move me most. It is a cemetery in constant use so really important to be respectful at all times.
Don't forget to get a free map before you go in - usually at each entrance there will be someone giving them out. Wear good footwear as some paths are a little uneven.
BeardyFred 79 - 2 weeks ago
This beautiful place wasn’t indeed on my checklist, but glad I went and had the chance to pay respect to one of my favorite writers, Oscar Wilde.
Heba - 2 weeks 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: claudia.schillinger - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeanne Menjoulet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeanne Menjoulet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nicolas Venner - cc license via Flickr
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