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 – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 75020 Paris, France
Phone: 01 55 25 82 10
Official Website: Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Père-Lachaise Cemetery Reviews
Rated out of 5
Really amazing cemetery. Best I’ve ever seen. Totally varied crypts and tombs and very maze like so you can always explore in a new direction. Fun to explore when you’ve done everything else in Paris. Look carefully from the top and you can even get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
Jeff Hawthorne - a month ago
It’s the Westminster Abbey of Paris - but it’s much more spacious, and free to enter. The cemetery is extremely well kept and clean. It would benefit from additional security, especially around important graves, but tourist largely seem to be respectful here. I would recommend using the Rick Steves Audio Guide.
Liam Avalon - 2 months ago
So happy that I finally got to visit. You could spend hours wandering this green oasis, admiring the huge range of different tombs and remarking on all the celebrity burials. Having a local with me, who knew it well, really brought it to life for me.
Jamie Hay - a month ago
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 - 4 months ago
Delightfully morbid and poetic, this place is free to enter. The air is heavy with stories etched in moss-covered stones. The tombs are artistic and have weeping angels, sculpted maidens, and intricate ironwork for company, making this place a gallery that is worth a visit. There are steep and winding paths. It is oddly comforting as it reminds us of life’s brevity and the comparative permanence of art. The main attraction for us in this ivy-draped opera was Oscar Wilde’s tomb guarded by a sphinx-like angel. Each corner is a story waiting to be told, from grand mausoleums to simple, heartfelt tributes. Do wear sturdy shoes.
bartika dutta - 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: claudia.schillinger - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeanne Menjoulet - 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
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