Ghost hunters, literary students, and rock fans: What do they all have in common? They’re among the approximately three million visitors to Père Lachaise each year, the largest cemetery in Paris.
Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Frédéric Chopin are just a few of the famous names buried in the 108.7-acre graveyard. Père Lachaise is not only worth visiting for its renowned graves, but also the beautifully designed sepulchers and tombs, featuring marble goddesses and stained-glass windows.
The burial site is tucked away in the 20th arrondissement, a leafy residential neighborhood, east of the center. It’s home to a mishmash of bohemian bars, street art, and fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Image Credit: Getty Images, LordHenriVoton. Image Location: Paris, France
Everything you need to know about the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris
Ready to visit Paris’ spookiest attraction? Here’s our guide to the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise.
What is the history behind Père Lachaise Cemetery?
Back in the 15th century, the verdant spot was the site of a rich merchant’s house. However, it was taken over by Jesuits in the 17th century who turned the house into a retreat center. A priest called Père François de la Chaise lived there; he was known across the city as King Louis XIV’s confessor.
By the late 18th century, many of Paris’ central burial grounds were overcrowded, so officials chose the Père Lachaise site as the city’s new major cemetery in 1804, naming it after the former priest. To encourage people to visit the new burial site, they moved several famous graves there – and the rest is history.
Despite its Christian heritage, the cemetery has always been non-denominational, after Napoleon Bonaparte decreed that “every citizen has the right to be buried regardless of race or religion.”
How many graves are there in Père Lachaise?
There are approximately 70,000 graves in Père Lachaise Cemetery. However, no one quite knows how many people are buried there. The exact number varies enormously – from 300,000 to one million. It’s thought that this includes around 40 singers, 40 composers, and 75 painters.
Who is buried in Père Lachaise?
Jim Morrison – the frontman of The Doors – is one of the most well-known figures to be laid to rest here. He died in Paris in 1971, age 27. His grave is one of the most popular places to visit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bruno De Hogues. Image Location: Paris, France
Other famous names buried at Père Lachaise include the Victorian writer Oscar Wilde, who died alone in Paris penniless; writers Honoré de Balzac and Marcel Proust; singer Édith Piaf; famous mime Marcel Marceau, and painter Eugène Delacroix, among many others.
Composer Frédéric Chopin’s body is buried at Père Lachaise, but unusually, his heart is buried in Poland. Chopin suffered from taphephobia – the fear of being buried alive – and requested that the organ be removed on his deathbed.
Alongside perusing the renowned graves, it’s also worth admiring the beautiful design of the tombs and mausoleums.
Take the Monument aux Morts, for example. It was designed by Paul-Albert Bartholomé to commemorate unidentified Parisians who have died; it’s decorated with marble figures in relief, mourning over the lost souls.
Make sure you walk past Georges Rodenbach’s resting place – the Belgian writer is carved in bronze, peeking out of his own grave!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mark Williamson. Image Location: Paris, France
Can you visit Jim Morrison’s grave?
Yes, you can visit all of the graves inside Père Lachaise, including Jim Morrison’s. His tombstone is regularly adorned with candles, flowers, and photos of the much-beloved singer. Fans still visit his grave every year on July 3, the anniversary of his death.
How to get to Père Lachaise Cemetery by train
The best way to reach Père Lachaise from the city of Paris is by train. There are several starting locations for your journey within Paris, but using the métro is quick and easy.
For example, if you’re close to the Arc de Triomphe, just hop on métro Line 2 at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station towards Nation and get off at Philippe Auguste station. This particular journey only takes around 30 minutes, and you’ll find yourself a short walk away from the cemetery’s main entrance.
You can easily spend a couple of hours walking around the site. There are maps dotted around to help you find the most famous graves. Alternatively, book a guided tour to learn more about the colorful history of the cemetery and its interred.
Heading to Paris from Europe? Download the Trainline app today to begin planning your journey to Paris Gare du Nord. Want to explore other Parisian hotspots while you’re there? We’ve got you covered – check out our Paris travel guides to places like Bercy Village, the best neighborhoods to stay in, and if you’re heading there this spring, the ultimate Parisian floral guide for springtime. Bon voyage!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs. Image Location: Paris, France