Père-Lachaise Cemetery: reviews, price and practical tips

+34
recs
4.8/5 8 reviews
16 rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
16 rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
Guided tours from $22*
Booking recommended
Book now
Cimetière du Père lachaise
Statue

Visiting Père-Lachaise Cemetery, between silence, history, and poetry

In the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Père-Lachaise Cemetery spans over 40 hectares, offering a curious mix of quiet reflection, tree-lined walking paths, and historical memory. It draws visitors from around the globe every year, who come just as much for its famous graves as for its unique atmosphere.

A city within a city

Established in 1804, Père-Lachaise feels much more like a tranquil neighborhood than a standard burial ground. Its cobblestone walkways, stone staircases, and shaded corners create the impression of wandering through a romantic garden frozen in time. You walk past thousands of tombs, mausoleums, and chapels ranging from the austere to the ornate, frequently covered in ivy or moss. The layout can feel labyrinthine, so grabbing a map at the entrance is a smart move.

Famous names to discover

The cemetery's renown rests largely on the notable figures buried here. Among the most visited spots are the grave of Jim Morrison, regularly decorated by fans, the touching simplicity of Édith Piaf's resting place, and the tomb of Oscar Wilde, once covered in lipstick kisses. You will also run into the names of Chopin, Molière, Colette, Proust, and Delacroix. Each grave tells a story, sometimes overshadowed by the fame of the deceased, but often moving or unexpected.

A place made for wandering

Beyond its funerary aspect, Père-Lachaise is a favorite spot for quiet strolls. Plant lovers will notice the presence of rare trees, aging chestnut trees, and century-old cypresses. The site is protected and carefully maintained, with occasional open views over Paris from its higher elevations. It is also dotted with commemorative monuments honoring those deported during World War II or fallen during the Paris Commune. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour, depending on what kind of experience you are looking for.

Guided tours from $22*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

Monday 08:00-18:00
Tuesday 08:00-18:00
Wednesday 08:00-18:00
Thursday 08:00-18:00
Friday 08:00-18:00
Saturday 08:30-18:00
Sunday 09:00-18:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of the Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Summary of 8 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+34 recs +34 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.6
As a couple
5
With friends
4.9

Avygeo ranking

#36
in the world
#35
in Europe
#24
in France
#13
in Paris

A place filled with legends and curiosities

The exciting thing about Père Lachaise Cemetery is the number of curiosities and stories tied to its graves. Between the tombs of famous people, the legends (like the one that mentions the existence of vampire graves...), and the oddities (like the slightly risqué tradition linked to the recumbent statue of Victor Noir, for example)... One visit is not enough to satisfy any self-respecting history buff. To discover the secrets of the cemetery, don't hesitate to book a guide, it's definitely worth it!

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A timeless space in the middle of Paris

Walking through Père Lachaise Cemetery is a unique experience. You are in Paris and at the same time, you absolutely do not feel like you are inside the capital. There are tons of celebrity graves to go see: Héloïse and Abélard, Jim Morrison, Molière, La Fontaine... and a large number of artists, writers, politicians, etc. A must-do, over and over again!

12
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Peaceful walk

I really love the atmosphere at Père-Lachaise. It is a quiet place, full of charm, and almost romantic. Many famous figures are buried there, and it will take you several hours to walk through all the paths. There is very little signage or historical information, so I recommend taking a guided tour to learn more.

12
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A walk among the dead

I went in out of curiosity and was impressed by the gigantic size of the cemetery. You could easily go for a hike in there. I would have gotten lost quickly without the map provided at the entrance and the interactive map available on my phone. With those tools, it is pretty easy to find the graves you want to see. Chopin, Géricault, Méliès, Proust, Wilde, Molière, there is no shortage of celebrities, which makes the site a must-visit.

However, this is not a casual stroll, and it is a shame that some tourists do not respect the sanctity of the place. For my part, I appreciated the rather romantic atmosphere that comes from the cemetery thanks to its winding paths, beautiful tombs, and very lush vegetation. Something to do once.

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Better with a guide

I went to Père-Lachaise Cemetery on Halloween night just for the thrill of it. With the gray weather, you have to admit it is particularly creepy and frequented by some shady people. This cemetery is truly massive. In my opinion, it is essential to get a guide or at least a brochure to find your way around and head toward the "interesting" graves. Overall, I was disappointed by the experience, and I would not recommend it for children.

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Pleasant walk

Much more than just a cemetery, Père-Lachaise is a must-see when visiting Paris. It offers a peaceful walk in a very pleasant setting that feels a lot like a park. You can also discover the graves of historical figures and celebrities. Personally, I enjoyed my visit and I recommend it to you. Maybe avoid bringing young children along.

10
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Pilgrimage

Ever seen someone crying at Balzac's grave? No? Well, just know that it happens every single day at Père Lachaise. The graves of the most famous people are marked on a little map you get at the entrance. You have to do some walking to get to some of them (heads up, the hill is pretty steep). Some areas are less crowded with tourists than others, but they are just as nice. That is the whole paradox of a cemetery, death surrounds us everywhere, and yet you feel at peace. It is a really beautiful place to rest after you pass away.

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More like a park than a cemetery!

Tourists don't always imagine how pleasant a walk it can be when you talk about visiting a cemetery, but that is really the case with Père-Lachaise. In the summer, you feel like you are more in a park than a cemetery, and even if some areas are a bit creepier (the section on World War II), other corners are very beautiful and even poetic, in addition to finding the graves of famous people there! Trees grow through the tombs in the oldest spots, and you often find feline friends guarding certain graves. A must-do!

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