How long does it take to walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery?

A thorough walk covering the major highlights usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The cemetery covers 44 hectares, and the hilly, cobblestoned terrain can slow your pace, so plan for at least a half-day if you want to see everything.

Is entry to Père Lachaise Cemetery free?

Yes, entrance to the cemetery is completely free for all visitors. It is a public park and active burial ground managed by the City of Paris, so no tickets are required to enter the grounds.

Can I see Jim Morrison's grave easily?

Jim Morrison's grave is located in Division 6. While it is one of the most popular stops, it is tucked away behind other monuments and can be hard to find without a map or audio guide; look for the crowds and the security barricades.

Is Père Lachaise Cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Père Lachaise is challenging for wheelchair users due to its steep hills and historic cobblestone paths. While some main roads are paved, most of the famous tombs are located on narrow, uneven walkways that are difficult to navigate.

What are the opening hours for Père Lachaise?

Opening hours typically start at 8:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on Sundays. Closing time is usually 5:30 PM in winter and 6:00 PM in summer. Always check for seasonal changes before arriving as the gates are strictly locked at closing.

Where is the best place to start a self-guided walk?

Most visitors start at the Boulevard de Ménilmontant entrance near Metro Philippe Auguste. This allows for a natural uphill route toward the Gambetta exit, passing Chopin and Morrison early in the walk.

Are there public toilets inside the cemetery?

Yes, there are public restrooms located near the main entrances, specifically at the Porte Principale and the Porte Gambetta. There are very few facilities once you are deep inside the cemetery divisions.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where history, art, and silence intertwine in the heart of the 20th Arrondissement. This self-guided walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery, the world’s most visited burial ground, offers a profound journey through the annals of French and international culture. Established by Napoleon I in 1804, this 'city of the dead' was once considered too far from the city center for Parisians to use. Today, it stands as a 44-hectare masterpiece of landscape architecture and funerary art, housing the remains of revolutionaries, rock stars, and literary giants. This walking route allows you to explore at your own pace, moving from the Romantic era of Frédéric Chopin to the rebellious spirit of Jim Morrison and the poignant history of the Paris Commune. As you navigate the winding, cobblestone paths and shaded alleys, you will discover that Père Lachaise is more than just a cemetery; it is an open-air museum reflecting the evolution of European society. This neighborhood stroll reveals the stories behind the elaborate monuments, from the modernist angel guarding Oscar Wilde to the humble family plot of Edith Piaf. Whether you are a fan of classical music, a student of history, or a seeker of hidden gems, this self-guided adventure provides a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Paris. This walking tour Paris experience focuses on the human stories that shaped the world, offering a contemplative look at the legacies left behind. Unlike a standard guided tour Paris, you have the freedom to linger by the monuments that speak to you most, capturing the unique atmosphere of this historic site without the constraints of a group.

Highlights

Frédéric Chopin's heart-wrenching memorial

The legendary and flower-strewn grave of Jim Morrison

The iconic modernist 'Sphinx' tomb of Oscar Wilde

The final resting place of the 'Little Sparrow,' Edith Piaf

The historic site of the Communards' Wall

The shared graves of literary masters Molière and La Fontaine

Tour Stops (6)

Tombe de Frédéric Chopin

Begin your exploration at the final resting place of the Polish composer and piano virtuoso, Frédéric Chopin. The monument, topped by a mourning Muse of Music (Euterpe) weeping over a broken lyre, was sculpted by Auguste Clésinger. While Chopin’s body rests here in Paris, his heart was famously returned to his beloved Poland, where it is entombed in a pillar of the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw. As you stand here, consider the Romantic era he defined; fans still leave flowers and ribbons daily, honoring the man whose nocturnes and polonaises changed the landscape of classical music forever.

Tomb of Jim Morrison

Navigate toward Division 6 to find the most visited site in the cemetery: the grave of Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors. Unlike the grand mausoleums nearby, Morrison’s grave is humble and often surrounded by security barriers to manage the influx of fans. The headstone features a Greek inscription, 'Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy,' which can be translated as 'True to his own spirit' or 'According to his own demon.' This spot remains a pilgrimage site for rock fans worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of the 1960s counter-culture and Morrison's brief but explosive impact on music history before his death in Paris at age 27.

Tombes de Molière et de La Fontaine

These two side-by-side tombs represent a clever marketing strategy from the early 19th century. When Père Lachaise first opened, it was unpopular due to its distance from the city. To boost its prestige, the remains of the great playwright Molière and the famous fabulist Jean de La Fontaine were transferred here in 1817. Their presence transformed the cemetery into a fashionable final destination for the Parisian elite. While historians debate if the remains moved were actually those of the writers, the monuments stand as a testament to the enduring power of French literature and the cemetery's transition into a cultural landmark.

Tomb of Oscar Wilde

The tomb of Oscar Wilde is one of the most striking pieces of funerary art in the world. Designed by Sir Jacob Epstein, it features a massive modernist angel—or Sphinx—carved from a 20-ton block of Hopton Wood stone. For decades, it was a tradition for admirers to leave lipstick kisses on the stone, leading to significant erosion. Today, a glass barrier protects the monument, though fans still leave notes and flowers. Wilde, who died in exile in Paris, is celebrated here for his wit and literary genius. The monument reflects his complex legacy, blending ancient Egyptian aesthetics with modernist flair.

Tombstone of Edith Piaf

Arrive at the modest family plot of Edith Piaf, the legendary 'Little Sparrow' of French chanson. Born in poverty and rising to international stardom, Piaf’s voice became the soul of France during and after World War II. She is buried alongside her father, her daughter Marcelle, and her second husband, Théo Sarapo. Unlike the grander monuments you've seen, this simple black granite slab is often covered in red roses from locals who still feel a deep personal connection to her songs like 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Non, je ne regrette rien.' It is a place of quiet reverence for a national icon.

Communards' Wall

The final stop on this route is the Mur des Fédérés, or Communards' Wall, located in the northeast corner. This site marks a tragic turning point in French history. In May 1871, during the 'Bloody Week' of the Paris Commune, 147 defenders of the Commune were lined up against this wall, shot, and buried in a mass grave. This wall remains a sacred site for the French Left and a symbol of the struggle for civil liberties and social justice. Every year, demonstrations take place here to honor those who fought for the short-lived revolutionary government, providing a somber, historical conclusion to your walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to experience the cemetery is via a self-guided walk that focuses on the 'Big Three': Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf. This route allows you to avoid the crowds of large groups and explore the hidden side paths at your own pace.