Cimetière du Grand Jas - a close up of a clock on a building
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Cimetière du Grand Jas

4.6
·17 reviews·Cannes, France

A vast and artistic necropolis in Cannes, featuring impressive mausoleums, notable graves, and a poignant Russian section.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Cimetière du Grand Jas - a close up of a clock on a building

Cimetière du Grand Jas

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast and artistic necropolis in Cannes, featuring impressive mausoleums, notable graves, and a poignant Russian section.

4.6
(17 reviews)

"A beautiful cemetery, worth visiting if you pass through Cannes. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Grab a Map!

This cemetery is huge! Snap a photo of the map at the entrance to navigate easily. :world_map:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Don't forget bug spray, especially in warmer months. Mosquitoes can be quite active here. :smilingfacewith3hearts:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Russian Graves

Russian Graves

Various sections

Discover poignant Russian tombs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some beautifully preserved, others showing the wear of time.

Reddit
Chapels and Sculptures

Chapels and Sculptures

Throughout the cemetery

Marvel at ornate chapels and striking sculptures, including the famous 'sad woman' statue.

Reddit
Famous Personalities

Famous Personalities

Various sections

Locate the final resting places of notable figures like Carl Faberge and Martine Carol.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Grand Jas

This vast cemetery requires a plan. Grab a map at the entrance or research famous graves beforehand to avoid getting lost. Mosquito spray is a must, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Respectful Exploration

While beautiful, remember this is a place of rest. Admire the impressive tombs and chapels, but tread lightly. Some older Russian graves are in disrepair, a poignant reminder of time's passage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

02 avril 1998 mort à Paris à 78 ans d’un œdème pulmonaire de l’actrice du théâtre et du cinéma, Jackie SARDOU (1919-1998) Elle repose dans le cimetière du Grand Jas à Cannes (06-Alpes Maritimes) #actrice #actricefrancaise #comedienne #comediennefrancaise #theatre #cinema #cinemafrancais #cinephile #television #televisionfrancaise #humoriste #jackiesardou #anniversaire #jaimelescimetieres #cimeti...
les_necroromantiques
170 likes • 0 views

🗺️ Grab a Map!

This cemetery is huge! Snap a photo of the map at the entrance to navigate easily. Reddit :world_map:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Don't forget bug spray, especially in warmer months. Mosquitoes can be quite active here. Reddit :smilingfacewith3hearts:

06 février 1967 mort à Monte-Carlo à 46 ans victime d’une crise cardiaque (des rumeurs de suicide circulent ! ) de l’actrice du théâtre et du cinéma, Martine CAROL (1920-1967) Elle repose dans le cimetière du Grand Jas à Cannes (06-Alpes Maritimes) #actrice #actricefrancaise #comedienne #comediennefrancaise #theatre #cinema #cinemafrancais #cinephile #martinecarol #anniversaire #jaimelescimetier...
les_necroromantiques
89 likes • 0 views
31 janvier 1976 mort à Toulon à 65 ans d'une crise cardiaque survenue dans les coulisses du théâtre municipal de Toulon où il répétait du chanteur et acteur Fernand SARDOU (1910-1976) Il repose dans le cimetière Le Grand Jas à Cannes (06-Alpes Maritimes) #acteur #acteurfrancais #comedien #comedienfrancais #theatre #cinema #cinemafrancais #cinephile #chanteur #chansonfrancaise #chansonmeridionale...
les_necroromantiques
83 likes • 0 views

✨ Research Famous Graves

Look up notable tombs online beforehand to make your exploration more focused. Reddit :mag:

📸 Capture the Artistry

The sculptures and chapels are stunning. Take your time to appreciate the artistry. Reddit :camerawithflash:

14 avril 1918 mort à Cannes à 52 ans de l’artiste peintre, écrivaine et compositrice russe Anina GAGARINE-STURDZA (1847-1930) Elle repose dans le cimetière du Grand Jas à Cannes. La « femme voilée » est de son époux, le sculpteur Denys Puech #artistepeintre #peintre #peintrerusse #ecrivaine #ecrivainerusse #compositrice #compositricedumusiquue #compositricerusse #musicienne #musique #russe #ani...
les_necroromantiques
49 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Grab a Map!

This cemetery is huge! Snap a photo of the map at the entrance to navigate easily. Reddit :world_map:

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Don't forget bug spray, especially in warmer months. Mosquitoes can be quite active here. Reddit :smilingfacewith3hearts:

✨ Research Famous Graves

Look up notable tombs online beforehand to make your exploration more focused. Reddit :mag:

📸 Capture the Artistry

The sculptures and chapels are stunning. Take your time to appreciate the artistry. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Cimetière du Grand Jas to be a beautiful and impressive cemetery, rich with history and artistic funerary monuments. Many appreciate the opportunity to see the graves of famous personalities and the unique Russian section, though some note the upkeep of older graves. The sheer size and atmospheric nature of the cemetery are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of a visit. Reddit

"An interesting cemetery. I was most interested in the Russian graves from the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Many of them, unfortunately, are in a deplorable state - abandoned, with fallen crosses and half-erased inscriptions. The cemetery is huge, I recommend taking a photo of the map at the entrance so as not to get lost. It would not be superfluous to search the Internet in advance for the location of the most famous graves - Prosper Merimee, Carl Faberge, Picasso's first wife, Russian ballerina Olga Khokhlova, actress Martine Karol, etc. There are a lot of mosquitoes, so be sure to take spray with you."

Olesya R.

"Thanks to Thierry the landscape gardener for this little sharing of information today
April 16, 2025.
It is a very beautiful cemetery, worth visiting if you pass through Cannes.
It is super well maintained, the tombs are impressive."

Lilou Lei Lc7

"This is a huge cemetery, at least by my standards. Interesting graves and tombs in streets named after flowers or nationalities... you can find graves of famous people here. I recommend it."

Zuzana Straka Piecuchová (Zuzka ASMR)

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Famous graves
Atmospheric beauty

What People Dislike

Some graves neglected
Lack of shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located in Cannes. You can reach it by car, and there is parking available. Public transport options might also be available; check local bus routes for the most convenient access. Reddit

While specific routes can vary, local buses often serve major attractions in Cannes. It's advisable to check current public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching the cemetery. Reddit

The cemetery is quite large. It's highly recommended to take a photo of the map available at the entrance to help you find specific graves or sections. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available for visitors. However, during peak times, it might be more challenging to find a spot. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Cannes, walking might be an option, but it's a considerable distance. Public transport or a short taxi ride is often more practical. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, cemeteries are free to enter. Cimetière du Grand Jas is no exception, allowing visitors to explore its grounds without an admission fee. Reddit

The cemetery typically has generous opening hours, often from morning until early evening. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current hours of operation. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Cimetière du Grand Jas. It is open to the public for respectful exploration. Reddit

Cemeteries are usually open on Sundays. Confirming the specific hours for the day you plan to visit is always a good idea. Reddit

While generally open, it's important to be aware of closing times to ensure you exit the cemetery before it closes for the night. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors are drawn to the Russian graves, the impressive chapels, and the tombs of famous figures like Carl Faberge and Martine Carol. The 'sad woman' sculpture is also a notable point of interest. InstagramReddit+1

While official guided tours might not always be advertised, you can find information online or through local tourism offices. Alternatively, researching beforehand allows for a self-guided tour. Reddit

Absolutely! The cemetery offers many beautiful and atmospheric scenes for photography, from grand mausoleums to intricate sculptures. InstagramReddit

The condition varies. Some tombs are meticulously maintained, while older graves, particularly some Russian ones, are in a state of disrepair. Reddit

Information on specific facilities like restrooms can be limited. It's advisable to plan accordingly and use facilities before your visit if possible. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ornate chapels, the 'sad woman' sculpture, and the diverse range of tomb designs offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Russian section also provides unique visual elements. InstagramReddit

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always wise to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially during services or ceremonies. Reddit

Late afternoon light can create a beautiful, atmospheric glow over the tombstones and sculptures. Early morning can also offer soft, diffused light. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and public spaces due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

Consider using a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to focus on specific details, or a narrower aperture for landscape shots of the cemetery. Adjust ISO based on lighting conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While a cemetery might not seem like a typical family outing, Cimetière du Grand Jas can offer a unique educational experience. Encourage children to look for interesting sculptures or the names of people from different countries. It's a chance to discuss history and art in a quiet, contemplative setting. Reddit

Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Ensure children understand the importance of respectful behavior. The sheer size of the cemetery means comfortable shoes are essential for everyone. Consider focusing on a specific, interesting section rather than trying to see everything.

🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and art, Cimetière du Grand Jas is a treasure trove. You can spend hours tracing the lineage of prominent families, admiring the diverse architectural styles of mausoleums, and discovering the stories behind the sculptures. Reddit

Recommendations: Research notable figures like Carl Faberge, Olga Khokhlova, or the Sardou family before your visit. Pay close attention to the funerary art, especially the Russian graves and the 'sad woman' sculpture. The cemetery's layout itself tells a story of Cannes' past and its international connections. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

The atmospheric beauty of Cimetière du Grand Jas makes it a dream location for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow on the tombstones, the intricate details of sculptures, and the grand chapels offer endless visual possibilities. InstagramReddit

Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours of late afternoon for dramatic lighting. Focus on capturing both the grand scale of the cemetery and the intimate details of individual monuments. Be mindful of respectful photography practices, especially around active burial sites or during ceremonies.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: Notable Burials

Cimetière du Grand Jas is the final resting place for a fascinating array of individuals, offering a tangible connection to history. Among its notable residents are figures from the arts and nobility. The cemetery notably features graves of Russian aristocracy and artists, reflecting Cannes' historical appeal to international visitors. InstagramReddit

Visitors often seek out the tombs of Carl Faberge, the renowned jeweler, and Olga Khokhlova, the first wife of artist Pablo Picasso and a ballerina. The graves of actors Martine Carol and Fernand and Jackie Sardou are also points of interest for those familiar with French cinema and theatre. InstagramReddit+2 Exploring these graves provides a unique perspective on the lives and legacies of these prominent figures.

Beyond the famous names, the cemetery's Russian section holds particular poignancy. Many of these graves, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are in a state of disrepair, with fallen crosses and faded inscriptions. This melancholic beauty serves as a stark reminder of the passage of time and the transient nature of life. Reddit

Architectural and Artistic Marvels

The Cimetière du Grand Jas is not just a burial ground; it's an open-air museum of funerary art and architecture. The variety of tombs, from simple markers to elaborate mausoleums and chapels, showcases different artistic styles and eras. The cemetery's layout, with streets named after flowers and nationalities, adds to its unique character. Reddit

A particularly striking feature is the 'sad woman' statue, a poignant sculpture adorning the grave of Anina Gagarin-Sturdza, created by her husband, the sculptor Denys Puech. Many small chapels, often decorated with fresh flowers by grieving families and friends, add a personal and touching dimension to the landscape. InstagramReddit The sheer scale and artistry of these monuments make a walk through the cemetery a visually rich experience.

While the cemetery is generally well-maintained, the presence of large, mature trees has been a topic of discussion. Some visitors note that the removal of trees for space has reduced shade, impacting the overall charm and comfort of the grounds. Nevertheless, the enduring artistry and the serene atmosphere continue to draw visitors. Reddit

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