Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris
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Pere Lachaise - by 139904 from Pixabay
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Start of Season 1:Mar, 15
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
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