Cimetière de la Guillotière
A historic Lyon cemetery facing significant maintenance and cleanliness challenges, impacting the visitor experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Cimetière de la Guillotière
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Lyon cemetery facing significant maintenance and cleanliness challenges, impacting the visitor experience.
"The state of this cemetery is catastrophic, the paths are not maintained, the twigs of the trees cover the graves."
Carry Hand Sanitizer
Restroom facilities are frequently reported as very dirty and lacking supplies. :hand_sanitizer:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and overgrown, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historical Gravesites
Discover the final resting places of notable Lyonnais figures, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
Tranquil Pathways
Wander through quiet avenues, offering a somber yet peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Biodiversity Areas
Observe designated zones intended to foster local flora and fauna amidst the gravestones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Maintenance Concerns
Respectful Visitation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry Hand Sanitizer
Restroom facilities are frequently reported as very dirty and lacking supplies. :hand_sanitizer:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and overgrown, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Be Mindful of Operations
This is an active cemetery; respect ongoing burials and maintenance. :pray:
Observe Nature
The cemetery is noted for its biodiversity efforts, so look for local plant and animal life. :deciduous_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry Hand Sanitizer
Restroom facilities are frequently reported as very dirty and lacking supplies. :hand_sanitizer:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and overgrown, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Be Mindful of Operations
This is an active cemetery; respect ongoing burials and maintenance. :pray:
Observe Nature
The cemetery is noted for its biodiversity efforts, so look for local plant and animal life. :deciduous_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Cimetière de la Guillotière are overwhelmingly negative, citing severe issues with maintenance, cleanliness, and overall upkeep. While it's a free-to-enter public space with historical potential, the deplorable state of the grounds and facilities significantly detracts from any positive aspects, leading to strong disappointment among visitors.
"Cemetery, very poorly maintained, very dirty toilets, no paper or soap, disgusting toilet floors.
The worst thing about the grounds is that you can see bits of bones lying around everywhere. I picked up a piece of skull and one that looks like a tibia after digging a grave next to our deceased's grave (see photos above).
In this cemetery, they enjoy burying and digging up the dead. It's shameful. The trade even affects cemeteries."
Nanou Siali
"The upkeep of this cemetery is not worthy of a major metropolis. "Maintaining biodiversity" is an excuse for neglect. Why does it take several months after a burial for the stones to be replaced and the name engraving completed, when this problem doesn't arise elsewhere?"
Isabelle de Fontenay
"A cemetery of horrors when you enter from Rue du Repose. It's a disgrace on the part of the City of Lyon. I'm giving it one star because I have no choice."
Celine Gobet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by public transport. Tram lines T1 and T2 stop nearby, and several bus routes also serve the area. Driving is an option, but parking can be limited.
It's located in the Guillotière district of Lyon. The main entrance is often cited as being on Rue du Repos, though other access points exist.
Look for stops like 'Guillotière' for trams and buses. It's advisable to check a local transit app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, cemeteries in France are free to enter. Cimetière de la Guillotière is no exception, offering open access to visitors.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lyon city website or local listings for the most current times before your visit.
While generally accessible, it's important to adhere to the posted opening and closing times to ensure you are within the permitted visiting hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Reviews frequently mention poor maintenance, with unkempt paths, overgrown vegetation, and general neglect. Some visitors have noted disturbing findings.
Restrooms are available but are consistently described as being in a very poor, dirty state, often lacking basic supplies like soap or paper.
While generally safe, visitors should be aware of the cemetery's condition and maintain a respectful attitude, as it is an active burial site.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing ceremonies or burials.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended due to potentially uneven and overgrown paths. Dress respectfully for a cemetery environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or dining facilities within the cemetery itself. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit.
The surrounding Guillotière district offers various dining options, from local bistros to international cuisine. Explore the streets near the cemetery for choices.
📸 📸 Photography
While the cemetery's condition may not be ideal for traditional picturesque shots, photographers might find interest in the historical gravestones and the interplay of nature and decay.
Standard respectful photography is usually allowed, but avoid intrusive shots of mourners or active burials. Check for any posted signage regarding specific rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Visitors Seeking Historical Insights
It's recommended to approach the visit with an understanding of its current state. Focus on researching any notable figures buried there beforehand to enhance your experience and appreciate the historical context amidst the less-than-ideal surroundings.
Budget Travelers
However, be prepared for the lack of amenities. Bringing your own water and snacks is advisable, and as mentioned, carrying hand sanitizer is a must due to the state of the restrooms.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Cemetery's Condition
Compounding these issues are the deplorable conditions of the on-site toilets. Reports describe them as filthy, lacking essential supplies like soap and toilet paper, and generally repulsive. This lack of basic amenities significantly detracts from the visitor experience and reflects poorly on the management of this significant public space.
Furthermore, some visitors have reported disturbing observations, including visible bone fragments and the perception of frequent interments and exhumations, which some find disrespectful. These accounts contribute to the cemetery's reputation as a place of 'horrors' for some, rather than a dignified resting place.
Historical Significance and Notable Burials
The cemetery's layout and the architecture of some of the older tombs can also be of interest to those who appreciate historical funerary art and design. While the overall maintenance is criticized, the individual graves themselves, particularly those of prominent individuals, often retain a certain historical gravitas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit