Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris - Paris, August 2022 Le Génie du Sommeil Eternel by Horace Daillion
1 / 10

Montparnasse Cemetery Paris

4.5
·901 reviews·Paris, France

A serene, tree-lined Parisian sanctuary, Montparnasse Cemetery is the final resting place for literary giants, artists, and thinkers, offering a peace...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings (Tue-Thu, 9-11 AM)

Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris - Paris, August 2022 Le Génie du Sommeil Eternel by Horace Daillion

Montparnasse Cemetery Paris

Best Time

Weekday mornings (Tue-Thu, 9-11 AM)

Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, tree-lined Parisian sanctuary, Montparnasse Cemetery is the final resting place for literary giants, artists, and thinkers, offering a peaceful journey through history and art.

4.5
(901 reviews)

"A truly unique and free Parisian experience, perfect for quiet reflection and discovering famous graves."

Vertical photo
TIP

Get a Map! 🗺️

Essential for finding famous graves and navigating this large cemetery du Montparnasse .

Free Entry 🆓

Access to Montparnasse Cemetery is completely free, making it a budget-friendly Paris activity .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jean-Paul Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir's Grave

Jean-Paul Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir's Grave

Pay respects to the iconic existentialist philosophers and literary figures, a must-see among Montparnasse Cemetery famous graves.

Samuel Beckett's Resting Place

Samuel Beckett's Resting Place

Visit the simple, yet profound, grave of the Nobel Prize-winning Irish playwright, a key stop for literature enthusiasts.

Jean Baudrillard's Unique Garden Grave

Jean Baudrillard's Unique Garden Grave

Near Rue Froidevaux exit

Discover the distinctive, garden-like grave of the influential philosopher, a truly unique burial site within the cemetery.Reddit

Brancusi's 'The Kiss' Sculpture

Brancusi's 'The Kiss' Sculpture

Admire Constantin Brancusi's poignant and iconic sculpture, a powerful artistic highlight amidst the Montparnasse graveyard.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Montparnasse Cemetery Paris

This historic Paris cemetery is vast, so grab a map upon entry to easily locate the famous graves and notable sculptures. Entry is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Plan at least 1-2 hours to explore without rushing.TikTok

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To truly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Montparnasse Cemetery, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. This avoids peak tourist times, allowing for quiet reflection among the tree-lined paths and famous burials, as many travelers prefer a calm visit.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings (Tue-Thu, 9-11 AM)
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection.
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons (Mon-Fri, 3-5 PM)
Why
Tour groups thin out.
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Spring / Late Autumn
Why
Mild weather, beautiful foliage.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Cementerio de Montparnasse ubicado en París Francia fue fundado en 1824. Se encuentra muy cerca de las catacumbas de París. El acceso es totalmente gratis. #paris #europa #porfiriodiaz #viral #fypシ...
@lupipops
706.4K likes • 6.1M views

Get a Map! 🗺️

Essential for finding famous graves and navigating this large cemetery du Montparnasse.Reddit

Free Entry 🆓

Access to Montparnasse Cemetery is completely free, making it a budget-friendly Paris activity.TikTok

🧳 GUÁRDATE ESTO! 🎠 Paris no es un destino barato, pero con estos tips te aseguro que ahorrarás mucho en tu viaje. 🍽 Dónde comer barato: ⁃ Creperie Genia (varias sucursales) 📍Gal des Parnassiens, 750...
viajasmart_
2.6K likes • 105.1K views
reddit.com

Tour of Montparnasse Cemetery and one historic cafe

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

The Montparnasse graveyard is extensive; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.Reddit

Nearby Eats 🍽️

Explore local cafes or the Latin Quarter for affordable food options after your visit.InstagramReddit

reddit.com

Famous graves locations in Montparnasse cemetery

Tips

from all over the internet

Get a Map! 🗺️

Essential for finding famous graves and navigating this large cemetery du Montparnasse.Reddit

Free Entry 🆓

Access to Montparnasse Cemetery is completely free, making it a budget-friendly Paris activity.TikTok

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

The Montparnasse graveyard is extensive; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.Reddit

Nearby Eats 🍽️

Explore local cafes or the Latin Quarter for affordable food options after your visit.InstagramReddit

Verify Grave Locations 📍

Some famous figures' relatives are buried here, not always the person themselves (e.g., Paul Belmondo).Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(901 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Montparnasse Cemetery for its peaceful, reflective atmosphere and its impressive collection of famous graves. While its large size can make navigation a challenge without a map, the beauty of its tree-lined paths and unique monuments are frequently highlighted.

"I walked through the Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris on a quiet summer evening. It was a very peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. I visited the graves of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. I have read their books. Being near their graves was a new and interesting experience for me as a lover of literature and philosophy."

Sara Aliakbari

"I listened to the cemetery guard clicking to call a pigeon he was intent on feeding

Susan Sontag, Samuel Becket, this graveyard is special for more than the famous people it holds. The tall thin mausoleums, the wrought iron doors and the stylish stone carvings.

With limited time between connections from Gare Montparness and Charles De Gaulle flights, i managed a 30 min rest in the graveyard. It's clearly worthy of half day at a time. Bordered by street cafe's of varying quality but always delivering excellent people watching, Especially on a Saturday morning when the street market is in action"

Hilary P

"Montparnasse Cemetery offers a quiet, reflective escape from the hustle of Paris. It’s vast, with winding paths and many notable graves, making it easy to get lost in its serene atmosphere. Among the famous figures resting here are Charles Baudelaire and Samuel Beckett, adding a layer of literary history to the peaceful surroundings. The cemetery is a beautiful place to explore, with tall trees, intricate tombstones, and a sense of solitude that’s rare in such a busy city. While it’s not a major tourist destination, it’s definitely worth a visit if you enjoy history and want to take a quiet stroll through a lesser-known part of Paris."

Erik

What People Like

Serene, peaceful atmosphere
Many famous burials
Beautiful sculptures & trees

What People Dislike

Large, can be hard to navigate
Finding specific graves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Montparnasse Cemetery Paris is easily accessible by metro. The closest stations are Edgar Quinet (Line 6), Raspail (Lines 4, 6), and Gaîté (Line 13). Each offers a short walk to one of the cemetery's entrances, making it convenient for visitors.

While street parking can be challenging in Paris, there are several underground parking garages near the cemetery Montparnasse, such as Parking Montparnasse or Parking Gare Montparnasse. It's generally recommended to use public transport.

The cemetery of Montparnasse is very close to the Catacombs of Paris, often just a 10-15 minute walk away. Many visitors combine these two attractions for a fascinating historical day out.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Montparnasse Cemetery is completely free to enter. There is no admission fee, allowing everyone to explore this historic Paris cemetery at no cost.TikTok

The Montparnasse graveyard generally opens at 8:00 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Closing times vary seasonally, typically between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Always check the official website for the most current hours.

No, booking a tour for Montparnasse Cemetery is not required as entry is free and you can explore independently. However, guided tours are available if you prefer a structured experience with historical insights into the famous burials.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can usually find a map of Montparnasse Cemetery famous graves at the main entrances. These maps are invaluable for navigating the large grounds and locating specific burials like Sartre, Beckett, or Baudrillard.Reddit

Montparnasse Cemetery is home to many famous burials, including literary giants Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, playwright Samuel Beckett, artist Man Ray, and philosopher Jean Baudrillard. It's a true who's who of French and international culture.

Yes, specific grave locations for figures like Eric Rohmer (Division 13) and Jean Baudrillard (near the Rue Froidevaux exit) are often marked on the cemetery map. Be aware that sometimes it's a relative, like Paul Belmondo (Jean-Paul's father), who is buried there.Reddit

The main paths within the Montparnasse Cemetery are generally paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs. However, some smaller paths or areas around individual graves might be uneven or gravel, which could pose challenges.

Yes, there are public restrooms available within the cemetery du Montparnasse, typically located near the main entrances or administrative buildings. It's advisable to check the cemetery map for their exact locations upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Montparnasse Cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid disturbing other visitors or grave sites. Commercial photography may require special permission.

No, drone usage is typically not permitted within the Montparnasse graveyard or any public cemetery in Paris without explicit official authorization. This is due to privacy concerns and respect for the deceased and their families.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🚶‍♂️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Montparnasse Cemetery offers a deeply enriching and contemplative experience. Its free entry and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for self-guided exploration and reflection. Grab a map to embark on your own quest to find Montparnasse Cemetery famous graves and delve into the stories of the past. Consider combining your visit with a stop at a nearby historic cafe for a truly Parisian experience.Reddit

🎨 Art & Literature Enthusiasts

This historic Paris cemetery is a treasure trove for lovers of art and literature. It's the final resting place for an unparalleled concentration of writers, artists, and intellectuals, including Sartre, de Beauvoir, Beckett, and Man Ray. Seek out Brancusi's 'The Kiss' and other unique sculptural works. The diverse grave designs and the sheer number of influential figures make it an inspiring pilgrimage for creative minds.

💰 Budget Travelers

Montparnasse Cemetery is an excellent choice for budget travelers looking for a rich cultural experience without the cost. Entry is completely free,TikTok allowing you to explore its vast grounds and famous burials at no charge. To save on food, consider packing a picnic or exploring the nearby Latin Quarter, known for its affordable eateries and creperies.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers to Montparnasse

If you're spending a day in the Montparnasse area, this cemetery is a perfect addition to your itinerary. Its proximity to other notable sights like the Catacombs of Paris,TikTok the Curie Museum, and even the Panthéon Reddit makes it easy to combine several attractions. Plan for a couple of hours to explore the Montparnasse graveyard before heading to your next destination.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Finding Famous Graves & Navigating the Grounds

The Montparnasse Cemetery is a sprawling, tree-lined Paris cemetery that can be challenging to navigate without a plan. Upon entering, make sure to pick up a free map which highlights the locations of many Montparnasse Cemetery famous graves. This map is crucial for finding specific burials like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Samuel Beckett, and the unique garden grave of Jean Baudrillard near the Rue Froidevaux exit.Reddit Without it, you might spend considerable time wandering, as the cemetery is divided into numerous sections.

It's also worth noting that while many seek out specific individuals, sometimes it's a relative who is interred here. For instance, while many look for Jean-Paul Belmondo, it's actually his father, Paul Belmondo, who rests in this historic Montparnasse graveyard.Reddit Always double-check your information against the official map or reliable sources to ensure you find the correct Montparnasse cemetery find a grave location.

A Haven of Art, Literature, and History

Beyond being a final resting place, Montparnasse Cemetery is a vibrant open-air museum reflecting centuries of Parisian intellectual and artistic life. Founded in 1824, it quickly became the preferred burial site for the city's bohemian and creative communities.TikTok The cemetery's paths are lined with diverse monuments, from grand mausoleums to simple, poignant headstones, each telling a story.

Visitors can trace the footsteps of literary giants, artists, and philosophers, making it a profound experience for those interested in cultural history. The serene atmosphere, with its mature trees and quiet corners, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, inviting reflection and contemplation.

Architectural Diversity and Sculptural Beauty

The cemetery du Montparnasse is not just about the names on the stones; it's also a showcase of diverse architectural styles and sculptural artistry. From classical to modern, the grave markers and monuments offer a fascinating study in design. One of the most celebrated artistic pieces is Constantin Brancusi's 'The Kiss', a powerful and minimalist sculpture that draws art lovers from around the world.

Exploring the grounds reveals a variety of unique grave designs, some featuring intricate carvings, others with contemporary flair, like Jean Baudrillard's distinctive garden plot.Reddit These artistic elements contribute significantly to the cemetery's appeal, making it a destination for those who appreciate both history and visual arts.

You may also like