Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

Top-Rated Tours in Paris

What’s Included

When you visit Cimetière du Père-Lachaise in Paris, France, you’ll step into the largest cemetery of the city, spanning over 110 acres (44 hectares). Here’s what you can expect during your tour:

Garden Cemetery: Père Lachaise is designed as a garden cemetery, where stately trees and picturesque paths offer a serene backdrop.

Notable Graves: Many famous individuals, including musicians, writers, and artists, are interred within its grounds, turning it into a museum of history and art.

Divisions and Portes: The cemetery is divided into 97 divisions and has several entrances, notably:

• Porte Principale (Main Entrance)
• Porte des Amandiers
• Porte du Repos
• Porte de la Réunion
• Porte Gambetta (often recommended for visitors as it is near the cemetery’s renowned graves)

Visitor Numbers: As the most visited burial ground worldwide, it welcomes millions annually, becoming a major part of Paris’s cultural tapestry.

Historical Context: Originally known as Cimetière de l’Est, the cemetery is a reflection of the city’s rich history and stands as a testament to its evolving relationship with its dead.

Père Lachaise is more than a cemetery; it’s a lush, open-air gallery celebrating lives past. It’s a significant parcel of Paris’s legacy, waiting to be explored by you.

What to Expect

When you visit Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, be prepared for a journey through a rich tapestry of Parisian history and cultural heritage. This sprawling necropolis, at over 44 hectares, is not only the final resting place for a myriad of notable figures but also a peaceful artistic sanctuary amid bustling Paris.

• Nature & Art: Your walk will be shaded by lush trees, providing a serene escape with picturesque cobblestone paths that guide you through the resting places of historical and artistic luminaries. The cemetery’s gardens are well-maintained, contributing to the contemplative atmosphere. Be on the lookout for sculptures and artful tombs that mark many graves.

• Historical Figures: Many visitors come to pay respects to the graves of famous individuals like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and French icons such as Édith Piaf and Frédéric Chopin. Philosophers, writers, and musicians such as Colette, Marcel Proust, and Honoré de Balzac also draw many admirers.

• Visiting Tips:

  • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
  • A detailed map can be beneficial, considering the scale and complexity of the site.

• Monuments of Note:

  • The haunting Monument aux Morts and the somber beauty of the Columbarium and Crematorium.
  • The resonant history at the Mur des Fédérés, where communards were executed.

• Accessibility:

  • The main entrance is located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant.
  • Metro stops Père Lachaise or Gambetta are nearby, making access convenient.

• Funerary Art and Architecture: The designs of the graves are far from ordinary; marvel at the diverse architectural styles created by architects like Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart and Étienne-Hippolyte Godde.

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is a remarkable destination where the lines between a cemetery and an open-air museum blur, inviting a unique experience of reflection amidst a sanctuary of historical prominence.

Additional Information

At Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, you’re traversing more than a mere cemetery; this is a substantial piece of Parisian patrimoine. As the largest cemetery in Paris, it spans approximately 110 acres and serves as a verdant park, boasting over 5,000 trees. It’s not only a resting place but also a cultural haven, housing memorials such as the Monument aux Morts and the graves of notable figures.

Visitors to Père Lachaise can encounter the graves of literary giants like Honoré de Balzac, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf among others. To navigate effectively, consider the following:

• Accès (Access): Multiple entrances exist, but the main one is on Boulevard de Ménilmontant.
• Visiteurs (Visitors): With upwards of 3.5 million visitors annually, plan your visit to avoid peak times for a more introspective experience.
• For a focused tour related to spiritualism, the grave of Allan Kardec is a vital stop.

Given its historical depth, from its establishment as Cimetière de l’Est to its current status, the cemetery doubles as a sanctuary for history enthusiasts keen to explore Paris’s past. The victims of historical events, including revolutions and wars, are also acknowledged here.

While at Père Lachaise, you’ll be immersing yourself in a unique mix of Parisian culture and histoire, all while paying respect to those who have shaped our world. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cobblestone paths and vast expanse demand it.

Cancellation Policy

When planning your visit to the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, it’s essential to understand the cancellation policy associated with any guided tours or scheduled events you may book. Keep in mind the following points:

• Tour Bookings: Should you book a tour through a company or a private guide, cancel at least 24 hours in advance to typically receive a full refund. Always check with the tour provider as policies can vary.
• No-Show Consequence: If you don’t show up for your booked tour without prior cancellation, you may be charged the full price. Be timely with your cancellation to avoid unnecessary fees.
• Weather Considerations: Tours go ahead rain or shine, but in extreme weather conditions, your tour might be rescheduled or canceled. In such cases, you will be offered a refund or an alternative date.

Here’s a compact table illustrating the standard cancellation timeline:

For third-party bookings, always verify the cancellation policy as it may differ from direct bookings. In case of issues, customer service channels are your go-to for clarifications.

Remember, Père Lachaise Cemetery itself is a public space open to everyone and does not require a fee or a booking to enter. Only specific tours or events will have set policies. Your awareness of these details ensures a hassle-free and respectful visit to one of Paris’s most storied resting places.

Reviews

When you set out to explore Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, you’re not just visiting a mere graveyard. Your experience echoes those of the numerous visitors who have meandered through its illustrious paths. Reviewers consistently remark on the serenity and artistry that pervade the space. Here’s what some of them have said:

• Tranquility Amidst History: Reviewers often highlight the peace they find strolling among the resting places of notable figures. It’s a retreat from the city’s bustle, allowing for a contemplative and respectful atmosphere.

• Architectural and Artistic Wonder: The cemetery is celebrated for its hauntingly beautiful statues and grand mausoleums. Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty with the elaborate tombs that dot the landscape.

• Cultural Significance: With over 3.5 million visitors a year, it’s clear that Cimetière du Père-Lachaise holds a special place in the public’s heart. Those interested in the lives of famous individuals find this cemetery particularly intriguing due to the number of well-known personalities buried here.

For the best experience, frequent tips from reviews suggest:

• Allocate Adequate Time: Set aside at least two hours to fully immerse yourself and explore.
• Comfortable Footwear: Expect to walk on uneven cobblestone lanes, so wear shoes that can handle it.
• Prepare for the Weather: The open space can get quite chilly, prepare accordingly.
• Consider a Guide: Some reviewers recommend having a guide to deeply understand the rich history.

Your visit can be as enriching as the experiences shared by these past visitors if you take these insights to heart. Remember to respect the sanctity of this site as a place of remembrance and reflection.