Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Most people don’t think of going to a cemetary to take an afternoon stroll, but Père Lachaise is no ordinary burial ground. As a matter of fact, it is the most visited cemetary in the world. There are over 300,000 people buried on these 118 acres of land that make up the largest cemetary in the city of Paris which is located in the 20th arrondissement.
There is a crematorium and a columbarium which holds the remains of those who have chosen this type of burial here as well. A very close and dear friend of mine was cremated here. I can’t tell you how people are cremated in other countries, but at Pere Lachaise it was very impressive.
Many famous people have their resting place here, one of course being, Jim Morrison of The Doors whose gravesite is one of the most visited at Pere Lachaise. So much controversy had gone on for years from family members of nearby tombs because of vandalism, etc., that the cemetary was forced to hire a full-time security guard at Jim’s site.
You can spend the whole day wandering through the rows of headstones under the tree lined lanes looking at the tombs of Sarah Bernhardt, Georges Bizet, Maria Callas, Chopin, Grappelli, Molière, Modigliani, Yves Montand, Piaf, Proust, Oscar Wilde, and Jean Valjean to name a few. Believe me it’s an interesting and peaceful walk in Paris!
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
16 Rue du Repos
Paris 20
Summertime Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
M° Stations: Philippe Auguste (main entrance), Père Lachaise, or Gambetta
Photo Credits: Flickr
Tags: b5media, cemetaries, cemetary, Cimetière-du-Père-Lachaise, City-of-Lights, European-Travel, france, Jim-Morrison, paris, Paris-Traveler, Père-Lachaise, Père-Lachaise-Cemetary, the paris traveler, The-Doors, walksRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Great Places To Unwind, Great Walks, Miscellaneous, Outdoor Activites, Things To See & Do, Tours - Guided Or Self-Guided
5 opinions for Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Mary Jo
Jun 1, 2007 at 8:09 am
Although it may seem a little morbid, cemeteries always seem to provide a real glimpse of history into an area.
Lynn
Jun 1, 2007 at 6:27 pm
I don’t find it morbid myself, since I rather like visiting cemeteries, but I suppose some people would.
mac
Feb 26, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Is it possible to still be buried at cemetiere du pere lachaise today?
jose ciparrone
Mar 7, 2008 at 7:15 pm
My friends,
After few years since I visited Pere Lachaise, I`m still feeling the emotion I felt thereforth in that pastime. It was an indescribable feeling. By seen the graves we brought at the present how it’s good to see our memory preservated. How I miss everything. I would like to send congratulations to Cemetary Adm. because care and neat and clean.
Lynn
Mar 10, 2008 at 12:25 am
Good question Mac! It is a little complicated, because the answer is yes and no! For the past 60 years there is no more available space, however if your family owns a plot you can still be buried there. Then again since 1924 abandoned burial sites have been redistributed on a yearly basis. And just last month the wonderful singer-showman Henri Salvador was buried there.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: