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

Fee: No

Père-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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The counterpoint to the glittering Parisian boulevards. Definitely worth a visit at any time of year, but especially outside the summer months. The gloomier the weather, the more beautiful it becomes. Creates a sense of closeness to people you have never known. Every grave tells its own story of transience, sorrow, but also creativity and inspiration. Take your time, you can easily spend a couple of hours here. It's best to give the Morrison tomb a wide berth, as any sense of reflection tends to be drowned out there.
Martin K. - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This cemetery was so great, I ended up going twice. Some of the headstones are so amazing, you have to just walk around and see where you end up. If I could have spent a day here, I would have. I do understand that headstones are close together and probably difficult to maintain, but in some areas, the weeds are so tall and areas are overgrown :(
Trouvaille B - 2 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating One of the famous Parisian cemeteries, we arrived there at the end of the day and therefore there were no crowds. At the entrance, there is a map with a list of famous people’s graves, most of which can also be found on Google Maps. All the pleasant impressions were spoiled by an unfriendly female guard who didn’t let me use the restroom 15 minutes before closing.
Kate S - a week ago

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5 Star Rating This was my first time exploring a graveyard, and I was totally intrigued by Père Lachaise in Paris. It’s full of history and truly one of the most remarkable cemeteries I’ve ever seen. Many celebrities and historical figures are buried here, and the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and serene. What struck me most was how clean and well-kept the whole place is. It’s quiet—of course!—but in a really calming, respectful way. It’s funny to think you’re surrounded by the dead, yet it doesn’t feel creepy at all. It’s more reflective and beautiful than anything. I was also fascinated reading the headstones—some have birth dates but no death dates yet, which makes you pause and think. The architecture and tomb designs are absolutely stunning. You can spend hours just walking around and appreciating the history and artistry. Totally a worthwhile experience if you’re in Paris. Highly recommend!
Jan Marquez Corpuz - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating 1. "Where Paris keeps its secrets… 🕯️✨" 2. "Legends never truly die at Père Lachaise 🌿⚜️" 3. "Whispers of history. Shadows of the past. Dare to explore? 👣" 4. "The most hauntingly beautiful place in Paris… 🕊️" 5. "Step into a world where time stands still ⏳🌙" ✨ Père Lachaise Cemetery ✨ Tucked away in the heart of Paris, Père Lachaise isn’t just a cemetery — it’s a labyrinth of secrets, legends, and timeless beauty. 🌿🕯️ Wander through winding cobblestone paths, beneath ancient trees and silent angels, where famous souls like Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin rest in eternal slumber. Every corner whispers stories of love, loss, and mystery… Are you brave enough to explore Paris’s most hauntingly beautiful landmark? 🕊️⚜️
Elie Chatry - a month ago

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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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