What Is the Name of the Famous Cemetery in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. But beyond these famous attractions lies a lesser-known but equally fascinating landmark – Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is a world-renowned cemetery located in Paris’s 20th arrondissement. It was established in 1804 and named after Father François de la Chaise, Louis XIV’s confessor. The cemetery spans over 110 acres and contains over one million graves, making it the largest cemetery in Paris.

One of the reasons why Père Lachaise Cemetery is so famous is because it is the final resting place of many notable figures from history, including writers, musicians, artists, and politicians. Visitors can pay their respects to some of the world’s most famous people at their gravesites.

Some of the most popular gravesites include those of Jim Morrison of The Doors, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Chopin, Molière and many more. Visitors often leave flowers or tokens of remembrance at these gravesites as a sign of respect.

Aside from its historical significance and famous residents, Père Lachaise Cemetery also boasts stunning architecture and greenery. The cemetery features elaborate tombs made from marble and granite that are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

In addition to strolling through the grounds on your own time you can also book guided tours that will take you through some of the most important sites within this vast complex. It’s worth noting that photographs are allowed within this cemetery but flash photography isn’t allowed.

If you are interested in visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery during your stay in Paris then it’s recommended to plan your trip ahead of time. The cemetery is open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, and admission is free. There are also several entrances, so it’s best to research ahead of time which entrance is closest to the gravesites you want to visit.

To sum up, Père Lachaise Cemetery is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. It’s a place where visitors can pay their respects to some of the most significant figures in history while surrounded by stunning scenery and impressive architecture. So why not add it to your Paris itinerary today?

List of Notable Figures Buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery

  • Jim Morrison – lead singer of The Doors
  • Oscar Wilde – Irish playwright and poet
  • Frédéric Chopin – Polish composer and pianist
  • Edith Piaf – French singer and songwriter
  • Honoré de Balzac – French novelist and playwright
  • Marcel Proust – French novelist and essayist
  • Molière – French playwright and actor
  • Gertrude Stein – American writer and art collector
  • Claude Chabrol – French film director, screenwriter, actor, producer