Cimetière Saint-Véran
A vast, historic cemetery in Avignon featuring unique funerary monuments and shaded avenues, offering a peaceful exploration of local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier parking & better upkeep
Cimetière Saint-Véran
Best Time
Easier parking & better upkeep
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic cemetery in Avignon featuring unique funerary monuments and shaded avenues, offering a peaceful exploration of local history.
"Historic monuments and shady avenues make for a peaceful, albeit challenging, visit due to parking and path conditions."
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific graves like John Stuart Mill's. Maps are available at the front entrance.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is scarce, especially on weekends when some gates are closed. Arrive early or consider weekday visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Funerary Monuments
Throughout the cemetery
Explore ancient and uniquely designed tombs, showcasing diverse architectural styles and historical significance.
John Stuart Mill's Grave
Specific section (ask for map)
Locate the final resting place of the renowned philosopher and economist, John Stuart Mill.
Shady Avenues
Main pathways
Wander through peaceful, tree-lined avenues offering a tranquil and shaded escape within the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Grounds
Maintenance & Accessibility Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific graves like John Stuart Mill's. Maps are available at the front entrance.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is scarce, especially on weekends when some gates are closed. Arrive early or consider weekday visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and in disrepair. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring the grounds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities within the cemetery, so come prepared for your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for finding specific graves like John Stuart Mill's. Maps are available at the front entrance.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is scarce, especially on weekends when some gates are closed. Arrive early or consider weekday visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and in disrepair. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring the grounds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities within the cemetery, so come prepared for your visit.
⏰ Check Closing Times
Gates may close earlier than advertised, especially near closing time. Be mindful of the schedule.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cimetière Saint-Véran is a vast and historic cemetery with many interesting funerary monuments, offering a peaceful, shaded environment. However, visitors frequently note significant issues with parking availability and accessibility, particularly on weekends, and express concerns about the cemetery's maintenance and upkeep.
"The cemetery is around 20 minutes walk from the centre of Avignon. We walked around trying to find the grave of John Stuart Mill but our initial attempts were fruitless. It wasn't until we stumbled upon the map at the front (in the photo) that we were able to find his grave. Hopefully, this will help some who are also lost trying to find it."
Ho Wong
"A rather famous historic cemetery, very large and shady... with ancient and interestingly designed funerary monuments... but parking spaces are both too few and often far from the four available entrance gates... especially on holidays.
Furthermore, the three entrance gates (except for the main gate) are closed on weekends, forcing those who live far away and can only come on weekends to see their deceased to make life difficult to find a parking space in front of the main entrance... and that's a major inconvenience; In short, you sometimes have to park far away and walk all the way around (not easy if you're loaded with flower pots!)... or come back within the week...
Another serious drawback: the cemetery itself lacks minimal maintenance (in my personal opinion!): flower pots that have fallen due to the wind (Mistral) are neither put back on the graves nor thrown away (if used) and can remain on the ground for weeks/months, or even a whole year (for example, I notice this situation when I come to see my father's grave once or twice a year because I live more than 250 km from this cemetery)...
The same goes for the trash cans that have been full for days or weeks... which aren't emptied at least every 2-3 days :(.
The same goes for the paths, which are certainly shaded but without benches to take a break (especially for the elderly or those with disabilities!)... and above all, the tarmac is in a deplorable state :(... and the grass Wild plants are very lively...
And we're not even talking about watering the flowers/plants/trees (does that exist in this place?), the minimalist and unique public restrooms (next to the main entrance), etc."
Frenchnraughmoobthoj Channel
"Perhaps we should review the parking spaces, it is very difficult and see some of the paths in the cemetery."
Jeanmariestagnetto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cimetière Saint-Véran is about a 20-minute walk from the center of Avignon. You can also consider local buses or taxis if walking is not preferred.
Parking is available but can be very limited, especially on weekends. Some entrance gates are closed on weekends, forcing visitors to park near the main entrance.
Cycling is possible, but be aware of the limited parking options for bicycles and the condition of the paths within the cemetery.
Local bus routes may serve the area around Cimetière Saint-Véran. It's advisable to check Avignon's public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The main entrance is usually well-marked. However, with limited parking and some gates closed on weekends, navigating to an accessible entry point might require some attention.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cimetière Saint-Véran is generally free to enter, as it is a public cemetery.
Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have noted that gates may close earlier than the official closing time. It's best to check locally or be mindful of the time.
No, only the main entrance is typically open on weekends. The other three entrance gates are closed, which can impact parking and access.
No advance booking is required as it's a public cemetery. Entry is usually on a walk-in basis.
The cemetery closes at dusk or at a set time in the evening. Visiting after dark is not permitted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It is a very large cemetery, so be prepared for a significant amount of walking if you plan to explore extensively.
Finding specific graves can be difficult without a map. A map, often found at the front, is highly recommended for navigation.
The paths are shaded but can be in a deplorable state, with tarmac in poor condition and overgrown wild plants.
There are very few benches, making it challenging for the elderly or those with disabilities to take a break.
Some visitors report that the cemetery lacks minimal maintenance, with fallen flower pots and overflowing trash cans remaining for extended periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in public cemeteries for personal use. Be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The ancient and interestingly designed funerary monuments offer unique photographic opportunities. The shady avenues also provide atmospheric shots.
While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always be respectful of mourners.
The cemetery is shaded by trees, providing diffused light. This can be great for portraits but may require adjusting camera settings for darker areas.
You can photograph graves, but it's respectful to avoid focusing on recent or private memorials without good reason.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that the cemetery is a place of remembrance, so teach children about respectful behavior before entering. While there are no specific play areas, the shaded avenues can offer a peaceful environment for a stroll. Bringing snacks and water is highly recommended, as facilities are minimal.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
The cemetery's historical significance means you can spend hours absorbing the atmosphere and architectural details. Be prepared for uneven paths and limited seating, so comfortable footwear and a willingness to walk are key. The quiet, shaded environment is perfect for contemplation and soaking in the local history at your own pace.
🚗 Visitors with Mobility Concerns
Weekday visits are strongly advised due to more accessible parking and potentially better maintained paths. It's also recommended to contact the cemetery administration in advance to inquire about the most accessible routes or any specific accommodations they might offer. Be prepared for a potentially strenuous visit and consider focusing on areas closer to the main entrance if mobility is a significant issue.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance and Notable Burials
One of the most sought-after graves is that of John Stuart Mill, the influential 19th-century philosopher, economist, and political theorist. Finding his grave can be a challenge, and visitors often rely on a map available at the entrance to navigate the vast grounds. The presence of such historical figures underscores the cemetery's importance beyond its function as a burial ground.
Beyond Mill, the cemetery features a variety of funerary art, from grand mausoleums to more modest, yet artistically significant, tombstones. These monuments reflect the changing artistic styles and societal values over centuries, making a walk through Cimetière Saint-Véran a journey through local history and art.
Visitor Experience and Maintenance Concerns
A recurring point of feedback is the limited and inconvenient parking, particularly on weekends when several entrance gates are closed. This forces visitors to park further away and walk considerable distances, which can be difficult, especially when carrying items like flower pots. Some visitors suggest that weekday visits might be more practical for those with transportation needs.
Furthermore, there are comments about the lack of consistent maintenance. Issues such as fallen flower pots not being cleared, overflowing trash cans, and poorly maintained paths are mentioned. The absence of benches along the shaded paths is also noted as a drawback, especially for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. These aspects, while not detracting from the historical value, impact the overall comfort and accessibility of the site for some.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit