Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris - an old cemetery with a stone path leading to it
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Père Lachaise Cemetery

4.6
·4k reviews·Paris, France

Explore the world's most visited cemetery, a vast, tree-lined Parisian sanctuary where history, art, and legend intertwine, home to iconic figures lik...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.

CrowdLow
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Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris - an old cemetery with a stone path leading to it

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the world's most visited cemetery, a vast, tree-lined Parisian sanctuary where history, art, and legend intertwine, home to iconic figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"A truly unique and moving experience, Père Lachaise is a must-see for its history, art, and peaceful ambiance."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Grab a Map

The cemetery is huge; a map is crucial for finding famous graves and navigating its winding paths .

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Expect extensive walking on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jim Morrison's Grave

Jim Morrison's Grave

Division 6

The iconic resting place of The Doors' frontman, often adorned with flowers and, uniquely, chewing gum, reflecting its status as a pilgrimage site.TikTok+1

Oscar Wilde's Tomb

Oscar Wilde's Tomb

Division 89

A striking winged sphinx monument by Jacob Epstein, famously covered in lipstick kisses, now protected by a glass barrier. A must-see for literary fans.

Victor Noir's Statue

Victor Noir's Statue

Division 92

This lifelike bronze effigy of a journalist, known for its 'lucky' legend, is believed to bring fertility or love to those who touch it.TikTok

Fernand Arbelot's Grave

Fernand Arbelot's Grave

Division 13

A unique and somewhat eerie sculpture of a man holding a disembodied head, sparking curiosity and discussion among visitors.TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Navigate with a Map & Time Your Visit

Père Lachaise Cemetery is vast, covering 110 acres, making a map essential to find famous graves like Jim Morrison's or Oscar Wilde's. Download an official map or use a reliable app before you go. The cemetery closes promptly at 6 PM, so plan your visit to allow ample time, especially if you want to explore thoroughly.Reddit

Stay Alert for Pickpockets

While the 20th arrondissement around Père Lachaise is generally safe during the day, be mindful of your belongings. Reddit users advise caution against individuals approaching with handwritten notes or asking for help, as these can be distraction tactics for pickpocketing. Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons (before 5 PM)
Why
Tour groups thin out, beautiful light for photography.
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn or Spring
Why
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage, ideal for walking.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for love or dreaming of starting a family? The Victor Noir statue at Père Lachaise Cemetery is more than just a stunning piece of art-it's steeped in legend. Victor Noir, a journalist whose un...
@le__walk
100.6K likes • 9.1M views

🗺️ Grab a Map

The cemetery is huge; a map is crucial for finding famous graves and navigating its winding paths.Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Expect extensive walking on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must!

This is the mysterious grave of Fernand Arbelot at Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris. It’s unique design, certainly divides opinion. What are your thoughts on it? #cemetery #mystery #strange #halloween #...
@jononamara
84.2K likes • 640.6K views
Looking for love or dreaming of starting a family? 💋👶 The Victor Noir statue at Père Lachaise Cemetery is more than just a stunning piece of art—it’s steeped in legend. Victor Noir, a journalist whos...
le__walk
195K likes • 9M views

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore, especially if you want to see specific sites before closing.Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

Remember it's an active cemetery. Keep noise levels down and respect the graves and visitors.

Père Lachaise cemetery 📍 East Paris 🚇 Metro Lines 2 . . . #paris #positivevibes #photo #paris #france #thisisparis #parisjetaime #parisfrance #ParisMaVille #parismonamour #iloveparis #visitparis #...
mary_picault
11 likes • 495 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Grab a Map

The cemetery is huge; a map is crucial for finding famous graves and navigating its winding paths.Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Expect extensive walking on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must!

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore, especially if you want to see specific sites before closing.Reddit

🤫 Be Respectful

Remember it's an active cemetery. Keep noise levels down and respect the graves and visitors.

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The cemetery offers unique photo opportunities, from ornate tombs to serene tree-lined avenues.

💋 Visit Victor Noir

Touch the Victor Noir statue for good luck in love or fertility, a popular tradition.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Père Lachaise Cemetery is widely praised as a uniquely beautiful and peaceful escape, offering a fascinating blend of history, art, and nature. Visitors are captivated by the famous graves and the serene, park-like atmosphere, though some find its vastness challenging to navigate without a map. The experience is often described as moving and thought-provoking, despite occasional concerns about crowds and pickpockets.

"This was my first time exploring a graveyard, and I was totally intrigued by Père Lachaise in Paris. It’s full of history and truly one of the most remarkable cemeteries I’ve ever seen. Many celebrities and historical figures are buried here, and the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and serene.

What struck me most was how clean and well-kept the whole place is. It’s quiet—of course!—but in a really calming, respectful way. It’s funny to think you’re surrounded by the dead, yet it doesn’t feel creepy at all. It’s more reflective and beautiful than anything.

I was also fascinated reading the headstones—some have birth dates but no death dates yet, which makes you pause and think. The architecture and tomb designs are absolutely stunning. You can spend hours just walking around and appreciating the history and artistry.

Totally a worthwhile experience if you’re in Paris. Highly recommend!"

Jan Marquez Corpuz

"I love exploring old graveyards & Père-Lachaise Cemetery is peaceful, full of history & one of the most beautiful graveyards I’ve seen. The graveyard was clearly busy with lots of people also checking it out but it was quiet & peaceful. Walk among the trees & witness beautiful old tombs. So many fine details to see. Each tomb was like a work of art. Many famous people such as Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde & Jim Morrison are resting here. It’s a maze to find everything so plan ahead, take your time, & be respectful to all the graves you visit."

Heather Boswick

"A peaceful yet powerful place in the heart of Paris 🕊️. Walking through this historic cemetery feels like stepping into a world frozen in time ⏳. It’s the final resting place of icons like Frédéric Chopin 🇵🇱 and Jim Morrison 🎤, whose graves draw visitors from around the world.

The cemetery is massive and hilly, so wear comfy shoes and get ready for a bit of a climb! 🥾⛰️ The cobbled paths shaded by tall trees create a serene and contemplative vibe, perfect for slow wandering under the Parisian sky ☀️🌳."

Patrycja Julia

What People Like

Peaceful, beautiful atmosphere
Famous graves & history
Unique funerary art

What People Dislike

Easy to get lost
Can be crowded
Pickpocketing risk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Navigation

Père Lachaise Cemetery is easily accessible by Paris Metro. The main entrances are near the 'Père Lachaise' station (Lines 2 & 3) and 'Philippe Auguste' station (Line 2). For a slightly uphill but direct route to Jim Morrison's grave, some recommend the 'Gambetta' station (Line 3) entrance.Reddit Look for signs for the 'Père Lachaise entrance' or 'Père Lachaise cemetery entrance' once you exit the metro.

Yes, a map is highly recommended due to the cemetery's size and winding paths. You can often find free paper maps at the main entrances, or download a digital 'Père Lachaise map' or 'Père Lachaise cemetery map' on your phone. Many apps also offer guided tours and grave locations, which are invaluable for finding 'Père Lachaise famous graves'.Reddit

The 'Père Lachaise' metro station entrance is popular and central. The 'Philippe Auguste' entrance is also convenient. If you're specifically looking for 'Jim Morrison's grave', some visitors suggest entering from the 'Gambetta' side, though it's still a walk. All entrances lead to the vast 'Père Lachaise graveyard'.

Absolutely! Many visitors opt for a 'Père Lachaise tour' or 'walking tour Père Lachaise cemetery' to learn about its history and famous residents. You can find independent guides at the entrance or book a guided tour online. These tours often highlight 'Père Lachaise famous graves map' points and share fascinating stories.

To truly appreciate the 'Père Lachaise cemetery', plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to find specific 'Père Lachaise graves' or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, you could easily spend half a day. Remember, the cemetery closes at 6 PM, so factor in travel time to exit.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Père Lachaise Cemetery is free for all visitors. You do not need to purchase 'Père Lachaise cemetery tickets' to explore the grounds and visit the 'Père Lachaise famous' graves. However, guided tours may have a fee.

The 'Père Lachaise opening hours' vary slightly by season but generally, the cemetery is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and slightly later on weekends and public holidays. It's crucial to note that staff begin ushering visitors out promptly at 6 PM, so plan your exit accordingly.Reddit

No, the entire 'Père Lachaise graveyard' operates under the same 'Père Lachaise hours'. All sections, including those with 'Père Lachaise celebrities' and 'famous buried in Père Lachaise', are accessible during the stated opening times.

Yes, it's advisable to book a 'Père Lachaise tour' in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you secure a spot and can choose a tour that focuses on your interests, such as 'Père Lachaise famous graves' or specific historical periods.

While entry to the cemetery is free, most organized 'Père Lachaise walking tour' options will have a fee. These tours provide valuable insights and help navigate the vast grounds to find key 'graves Père Lachaise' is known for.

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience & Famous Graves

Père Lachaise is home to many 'Père Lachaise celebrities' and historical figures. Key 'Père Lachaise famous graves' include Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, Molière, Marcel Proust, and Chopin.TikTok Don't miss the unique Victor Noir statue TikTok and Fernand Arbelot's grave.TikTok

Jim Morrison's grave is located in Division 6. It's one of the most visited sites, so follow the crowds or use a detailed 'Père Lachaise map' or app. Be aware that it's not always easy to find, and some Reddit users note it's 'not the' easiest to locate.Reddit You might also spot the famous chewing gum tree nearby.TikTok

Absolutely! Beyond the well-known artists, 'Père Lachaise cemetery burials' include military figures like Marshal Ney and Marshal Masséna from the Napoleonic Wars,Reddit+1 scientists, politicians, and other influential personalities. It's a rich tapestry of French and international history.

The Victor Noir statue, located in Division 92, commemorates a journalist killed in a duel. Legend has it that rubbing specific parts of the statue, particularly his 'very large package,' can bring fertility, a husband, or improve one's sex life.TikTok This tradition has made it one of the most interactive and talked-about 'Père Lachaise graves'.

Yes, the 'Père Lachaise graveyard' is a beautiful, tree-lined space perfect for a leisurely walk. Many Reddit users recommend simply 'walk around!' and enjoy the peaceful, shady atmosphere, especially on a hot day.Reddit It's a unique blend of history, art, and nature.

🎫 ⚠️ Safety & Etiquette

The 20th arrondissement, where Père Lachaise is located, is generally considered safe, especially during the day. Reddit users staying nearby describe it as a 'relatively safe place' for walking and using public transport.Reddit However, like any major city, it's wise to be cautious, especially at night, and consider taxis or Uber for late-night travel.Reddit

Be vigilant, especially in crowded areas or near popular graves. Reddit users report tactics like individuals approaching with handwritten notes or asking for help as potential distractions for pickpocketing.Reddit Keep your bag secure and valuables out of sight to avoid becoming a target.

As an active cemetery, visitors are expected to be respectful. Keep noise levels low, stick to designated paths, and do not disturb graves or memorials. Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but be mindful of others. Do not litter, and avoid touching monuments unless it's a specific tradition like with Victor Noir.TikTok

While there are no strict rules against bringing a small bottle of water, it's generally not appropriate to have picnics or extensive meals within the cemetery grounds. There are no cafes or restaurants inside, so plan to eat before or after your visit. Maintain the solemnity of the 'Père Lachaise graveyard'.

Visiting Père Lachaise alone during daylight hours is generally safe. The cemetery is a popular tourist destination, and there are usually other visitors and staff around. However, always exercise general caution, especially if you venture into less-trafficked areas or if you are visiting close to closing time.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📚 History & Literature Buffs

For those passionate about history and literature, Père Lachaise is an unparalleled destination. Beyond the well-known 'Père Lachaise famous graves' of Oscar Wilde and Molière, you can discover the resting places of French literary giants like Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac. Military history enthusiasts will appreciate the tombs of Napoleonic Marshals such as Ney and Masséna, which Reddit users specifically recommend for their historical significance.Reddit+1 Consider a guided 'Père Lachaise tour' to delve deeper into the stories behind these influential figures and the cemetery's rich past.

📸 Photographers

Père Lachaise offers an incredibly atmospheric and visually rich environment for photographers. The tree-lined avenues, ornate mausoleums, and diverse sculptures provide endless opportunities for compelling shots. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light, creating dramatic shadows and a serene ambiance. Focus on capturing the intricate details of the funerary art, the play of light through the trees, and the unique traditions like the Victor Noir statue.TikTok Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the 'Père Lachaise graveyard' while you capture its beauty.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Short Stays

If you have limited time, Père Lachaise is still a worthwhile visit. Prioritize a few key 'Père Lachaise famous graves' like Jim Morrison's,TikTok Oscar Wilde's, and the Victor Noir statue.TikTok Download a map in advance to save time navigating the 'Père Lachaise map' and head directly to your chosen spots. Reddit users suggest allowing at least 2-3 hours, but even a focused 90-minute visit can be rewarding.Reddit Combine it with a visit to nearby areas like the Bastille monument, as suggested by Reddit,Reddit for a fuller Parisian experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Labyrinthine Paths

Père Lachaise Cemetery is not laid out in a simple grid; its paths wind and undulate over hilly terrain, making it easy to get lost. This is part of its charm, but also a challenge for visitors seeking specific 'Père Lachaise graves'. Many Reddit users emphasize the importance of a good map or a reliable navigation app to locate 'Père Lachaise famous graves' like those of Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde.Reddit The official map, often available at entrances, marks the divisions and key tombs, helping you make the most of your 'Père Lachaise walking tour'. Without one, you might spend more time searching than appreciating the artistry and history.

Beyond the Icons: A Rich Tapestry of History

While 'Père Lachaise Jim Morrison' and 'Père Lachaise Oscar Wilde' draw massive crowds, the cemetery is a treasure trove of history far beyond its most famous residents. It's the final resting place for a diverse array of 'Père Lachaise celebrities' and historical figures, including literary giants like Molière and Marcel Proust, composers such as Chopin, and opera divas like Maria Callas and Edith Piaf.TikTok Military history enthusiasts will find the tombs of Napoleonic Marshals like Ney and Masséna, which Reddit users highlight as impressive and worth seeking out.Reddit+1 Taking time to wander off the main paths reveals countless other fascinating, lesser-known memorials and stories, making every turn a discovery.

Unique Traditions and Artistic Expressions

Père Lachaise is renowned not just for its burials but also for its extraordinary funerary art and unique visitor traditions. The bronze effigy of Victor Noir, a journalist, has become a site of pilgrimage where visitors rub specific areas for luck in love or fertility, as seen in TikTok videos.TikTok Oscar Wilde's tomb, a striking winged sphinx, was once covered in lipstick kisses, a testament to his enduring appeal. Another intriguing sight is Fernand Arbelot's grave, featuring a man holding a disembodied head, which sparks much discussion among visitors.TikTok Even Jim Morrison's grave has developed its own tradition, with visitors leaving flowers and, curiously, chewing gum on a nearby tree.TikTok These elements add a layer of interactive and sometimes quirky charm to the solemn beauty of the 'Père Lachaise graveyard'.

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