Père-Lachaise Cemetery

The Père-Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most renowned cemeteries in the world

Tree lined walkway through the Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Tree lined walkway through the Père-Lachaise Cemetery cc licensed photo by extranoise

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: No

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • 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

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 259 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating My hotel was 45 min walk from the cemetery so on my last day in Paris I had to get my steps n go visit to pay my respects to the dead. As you stroll... Read More

Tiffany H. Jun-03-2023

5 Star Rating I do a lot of photography in cemeteries, mostly in New Orleans and Italy but for those into funerary architecture or effigy statuary this is THE place.... Read More

Stan S. Mar-14-2023

4 Star Rating Great visit to the dead people. Those are the famous people even on their past. This is cemetery that is for many famous people see me of them you will... Read More

Boon C. Jun-15-2022

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M2 or M3Père 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

Video


Video about the history and some interesting facts about the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

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