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
Official Website: Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Fee: NoSome attractions may have reduced hours or be closed due to COVID-19. Please verify opening hours with the attraction before visiting.
Open Now
Regular Hours:
- 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
Category: Funeral Services & Cemeteries Local Flavor
Address:
16 rue du Repos
75020 Paris
France
Phone: +33 1 55 25 82 10
Reviews
John F. Aug-11-2020
8/11/20 When I went to a summer camp in the year of 1994, I had no idea that just a few blocks from the college our camp was at, was where my dad met my... Read More
Liz C. Aug-30-2020
On my trip to Paris, one of the things I wanted to do was find Jim Morrison's grave site at Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise. In addition to Jim Morrison,... Read More
Donna B. Dec-11-2019
Cemeteries are so interesting. This one is probably the most. Established in 1804 as the city graveyards and catacombs were filling, Napoleon created... Read More
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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: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
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