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Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

16 Rue du Repos, Paris, Île-de-France

Description

The Père Lachaise Cemetery was the municipal and garden cemetery in Paris - it is also the city's largest at 44ha and the world's most visited necropolis with over 3 million visitors every year. It was opened in 1804 (outside of the city limits back then) to relieve the shortage of space in the inner-city graveyards. The name comes from the confessor to Louis XIV who lived in that location 150 years earlier. The initial separation of religions across various sections no longer applies since 1881 but by that time a Jewish enclosure and a Muslim enclosure already existed. Besides monuments to foreign soldiers who died for France during WW1 and WW2 and in the memory of victims of concentration and extermination camps, many famous persons have been buried there - which explains the huge influx of visitors. Some of the most popular graves include that of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Jean de La Fontaine, Molière, and Edith Piaf.

Access & Transport

The best way to get to the cemetery is by métro, the stations of Père Lachaise (2, 3) and Philippe Auguste (2) are both close to one of the entrances. The Bd de Ménilmontant between those two stations also has a couple of bus stops.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend you wear proper shoes due to the presence of cobbled paths and, if you have children, that you assess whether this is an adequate visit for them. It is possible to walk from there to Bastille, Canal Saint Martin and Parc des Buttes Chaumont - all within 2.0 to 2.5kms away.

Meta review

It is very popular, and most reviewers are extremely positive about their visit. They enjoy seeing the resting place of several famous people and doing something original. Most of the negative comments relate to the difficulties in finding certain graves.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally and socially neutral

Conclusion

It is interesting to learn its history, enjoy a setting that invites reflexion and being able to pay respect to the various memorials. As for the graves and mausoleums of famous people we leave it to each potential visitor to decide what it means to them.

Key positive

Makes for an enjoyable walk

High concentration of historical figures and celebrities buried there

Key negative

Can be crowded at times, which is unusual for what is meant to be a final resting place

Located a little out of the way from other tourist highlights

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but not recommended for people who feel unwell around graveyards. The cemetery has cobbled paths and slopes so it may be challenging to explore for visitors with reduced mobility and unsure footing

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

March 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 15

Season 1

MONDAY08:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY08:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY08:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY08:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:00 - 17:30

TUESDAY08:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY08:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY08:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY08:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY08:30 - 17:30

SUNDAY09:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Free

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