Père Lachaise Cemetery

The basics

The grand, tree-lined avenues and cobblestone lanes of the Père Lachaise Cemetery make a dramatic backdrop for a walking tour, and the faded headstones, familial tombs, and aging monuments harbor centuries of history. It’s also worth seeking out some of the cemetery’s other historic sights along the way, including its Mur des Fédérés, which commemorates massacred Paris Commune revolutionaries.

With more than 110 acres (44 hectares) to explore, visiting with a tour guide is the most convenient option. Most small-group or private tours stop at all the highlights, including Jim Morrison’s grave.

Things to know before you go

• Admission is free, and you don’t need to book Père Lachaise Cemetery tickets.

• The cemetery is wheelchair-accessible, although some areas may be difficult to access without assistance.

• Cemetery maps are available for free from the information office at the Boulevard de Ménilmontant entrance.

How to get there

The Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, around 3 miles (5km) east of central Paris. The cemetery has four entrances. The main entrance is on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, close to the Philippe Auguste metro stop (line 2). Other entrances are close to the Père-Lachaise (lines 2 and 3), Gambetta (line 3), and Alexandre Dumas (line 2) Métro stations.

When to get there

The cemetery is open year-round and is busiest in summer, when group tours descend on the most popular sights. To avoid the crowds, time your visit for the early morning or aim for 12:30pm–1:30pm, when most Père Lachaise Cemetery tours break for lunch.

Famous residents of the Père Lachaise

Père Lachaise is the resting place of renowned composers, writers, artists, actors, singers, dancers, and even the immortal 12th-century lovers Abélard and Héloïse. One of the most-visited grave sites belongs to Jim Morrison of the Doors, who died in a Paris apartment in 1971. Others include Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Proust, Amedeo Modigliani, Édith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, and Georges Haussmann—the man who laid out Paris’ magnificent 19th-century boulevards.

Ways to explore

The grand, tree-lined avenues and cobblestone lanes of Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery make a dramatic backdrop for a walking tour, and the faded headstones and aging monuments harbor centuries of history. With more than 110 acres (44 hectares) to explore, visiting with a tour guide is the most convenient option, and most small-group or private tours stop at all the highlights, including Jim Morrison’s grave and Oscar Wilde’s tomb. Self-guided smartphone tours are also available for independent-minded travelers, and entry to the cemetery is included with the Paris Explorer Pass.

Accessibility

While the grounds are technically accessible, Père Lachaise’s sloping paths and cobbled footing may make visiting challenging for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sun or rain protection, commemorative flowers

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers, comfortable walking shoes for navigating the cobblestones

Not allowed

Drinking alcohol, jogging, kissing Oscar Wilde’s grave (it’s been closed off to admirers)

Amenities

Water fountains, restrooms, visitor center and information point

Address

Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in eastern Paris’ 20th arrondissement. Opt for public transportation or a taxi or rideshare service to reach it.

Driving

Owing to traffic restrictions and limited parking, driving in Paris is not recommended. If you must drive to Père Lachaise, make use of paid parking garages within the area.

Public transportation

To reach the cemetery, take Métro line 2 to Père Lachaise or Philippe Auguste, which is closer to the main entrance.

Best times to visit

The cemetery’s opening hours are typically from early morning to early evening. Arrive early in the day—and aim for a bright, sunny day—to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Père Lachaise is open daily. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, though weekends are generally busier than weekdays.

Best months to visit

Autumn is one of the most romantic times in Paris—and a particularly apt time to explore the atmospheric, moody setting of Père Lachaise.

Special events

Visit in May to attend the annual Printemps des Cimetières festival, dedicated to the heritage and landscapes of France’s cemeteries; thoughtfully designed events are held at Père Lachaise and other Paris memorial sites.