Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

Père Lachaise is one of the most visited cemeteries in the world — and one of Paris's most unique and moving attractions. Spanning 44 hectares in the 20th arrondissement, it is the final resting place of some of history's greatest artists, writers, musicians, and historical figures. Beyond its famous graves, it is a remarkable open-air museum of 19th and 20th century funerary art, and in spring and autumn, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris

History

Opened in 1804 under Napoleon Bonaparte's directive, Père Lachaise was designed by architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart. Named after Father François de la Chaise, confessor to King Louis XIV, the cemetery was initially unpopular — Parisians were reluctant to be buried so far from the city centre. To attract burials, city officials had the remains of famous figures such as Molière and La Fontaine transferred here in 1817, cementing its prestigious reputation.

Today Père Lachaise holds over 70,000 burial plots and more than 1 million people are interred within its walls — making it the most densely populated cemetery in the world

Famous Graves

Jim Morrison

The Doors frontman's grave is perhaps the most visited in the cemetery, attracting thousands of rock music fans each year. Simple in design, it is often surrounded by flowers, notes, and devoted admirers.

Édith Piaf

The beloved French chanteuse known as "La Môme" rests here, drawing fans from across the world to pay their respects to the greatest voice in French popular music.

Oscar Wilde

The Irish playwright's elaborate Art Deco tomb — covered in lipstick kisses left by admirers — is one of the most striking landmarks in the cemetery.

Frédéric Chopin

The Polish composer's grave is adorned with flowers year-round, a testament to his enduring legacy and the devotion of music lovers from Poland and beyond.

Marcel Proust

The author of À la Recherche du Temps Perdu lies beneath a simple black marble slab — a surprisingly modest resting place for one of the greatest writers in the French language.

Molière & La Fontaine

The first famous residents to be moved here in 1817, their transfer to Père Lachaise transformed the cemetery's reputation and established it as the most prestigious burial ground in France.

The Mur des Fédérés

At the eastern wall of the cemetery stands the Mur des Fédérés — the Wall of the Federals — where 147 Paris Commune fighters were shot by government troops on 28 May 1871, in the final hours of the Commune. The wall remains a powerful site of political memory and is the destination of an annual commemoration each May.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday : 8:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday : 8:30am – 6:00pm

Sunday & Public Holidays : 9:00am – 6:00pm

Entry : Free

Getting There

Metro : Père Lachaise (line 2) — main entrance

Metro : Gambetta (line 3) — upper entrance

Bus : Lines 61 and 69 stop nearby

Address : 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris

Tips for Your Visit

Pick up a free map at the entrance — the cemetery is vast and easy to get lost in

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds around Jim Morrison's grave

Wear comfortable shoes — paths are cobblestone and uneven

Allow at least 2 hours, half a day if you want to explore fully

Photography is allowed but be respectful of other visitors

Book a guided tour : (lien GetYourGuide

FAQ

Is Père Lachaise free to visit?

Yes — entry to Père Lachaise is completely free. No tickets are required.

How do I find Jim Morrison's grave?

Jim Morrison's grave is in Division 6. Pick up a free map at the entrance or follow the signs inside the cemetery. It is one of the most clearly signposted graves.

How long does a visit take?

Allow at least 2 hours for a visit covering the main graves. Half a day if you want to explore the full 44 hectares.

Is Père Lachaise worth visiting?

Absolutely — beyond the famous graves, Père Lachaise is an extraordinary open-air museum of funerary art and a remarkably peaceful green space in the heart of Paris. It is one of the most moving and atmospheric places in the city.