Père Lachaise – Paris’ largest and most fascinating cemetery

Père Lachaise cemetery

With its winding paths, magnificent tombs and famous residents, the cemetery is an unforgettable experience for history lovers, art enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet oasis in the middle of the city.

A historic pearl

Founded in 1804 under Napoleon Bonaparte, Père Lachaise was created to give Paris more space for burials as the old cemeteries had become overcrowded. The cemetery, which spans 44 hectares, was named after the priest François d’Aix de La Chaise, who once lived in the area.

At first, Parisians found it difficult to accept Père Lachaise as a resting place as it was outside the city limits. But by moving famous personalities like Molière and Jean de La Fontaine to the cemetery, interest began to grow and Père Lachaise quickly became popular with locals and visitors alike.

Famous burial sites

The cemetery is home to some of the world’s most famous artists, writers and historical figures. Among the most visited gravesites you will find:

• Oscar Wilde: The Irish author and playwright’s grave is covered in messages of love from fans around the world.
• Jim Morrison: The Doors’ iconic lead singer has a simple but extremely popular grave that attracts music lovers from all over the world.
• Édith Piaf: France’s beloved singer rests here and her grave is often covered with flowers from dedicated fans.
• Frédéric Chopin: The Polish composer’s grave is a must-see for music lovers.

A unique atmosphere

With its ancient trees, shady paths and ornate mausoleums, Père Lachaise feels more like a quiet park than a cemetery. Each grave tells its own story, and many of the monuments are small works of art that reflect both grief and love.

Tips for visitors

The cemetery is open all year round and entry is free. Use this interactive map to find the most famous tombs, as the size and complexity of the cemetery can be overwhelming. Père Lachaise is easily accessible by metro (station Philippe Auguste on line 2 or Père Lachaise on lines 2 and 3).

Père Lachaise – A celebration of life

Père Lachaise is much more than a cemetery – it’s a living tribute to the rich history and culture of Paris. Whether you come to see the tombs of famous personalities, enjoy the quiet atmosphere or experience the many artistic details, a visit to Père Lachaise will leave an unforgettable impression.

By Tommy Sverre – 2025