Père Lachaise Cemetery

Introducing Père Lachaise Cemetery

Located in Paris, Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. You might be curious about why this cemetery is so renowned. Firstly, it's the largest cemetery in Paris, covering 118 acres. Secondly, the burials here are famous figures who have made significant contributions to France over the past 200 years, attracting many to pay their respects. You can pay your respects to those you admire, or simply experience a different kind of tranquility. Hence, it's also known as the "City of the Dead within the City of the Living."

Climate and best time to travel

It has a temperate oceanic climate, with neither extreme heat in summer nor extreme cold in winter. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly more rainfall in summer and autumn.

Suitable all year round.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Nearby attractions: Place de la Bastille, Victor Hugo's house, Place des Vosges, Picasso Museum, Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, Charles de Gaulle Bridge, Ile Saint-Louis.

It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 08:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Père Lachaise Cemetery

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Père Lachaise Cemetery, established in 1804, is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. It is the final resting place of many notable figures in the arts, literature, music, and politics, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Marcel Proust. The cemetery is also known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful landscaping.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, France. The easiest way to get there is by taking Metro Line 2 or Line 3 and getting off at the Père Lachaise station. It's also accessible by bus (lines 61, 69, 102) or taxi, and you can easily walk from nearby areas.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, as it can get crowded in the middle of the day, especially on weekends.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery. It is free to explore the grounds, but there may be a charge for guided tours, which can be booked online or at the entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not necessary to book tickets in advance to visit the cemetery itself. However, if you wish to take a guided tour, it is recommended to book at least a few days in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and if you plan to explore the famous graves or take a guided tour.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The grave of Oscar Wilde, marked by a distinctive tomb and a kissing lips sculpture.
• Jim Morrison's grave, which often attracts visitors with its vibrant graffiti and mementos.
• The "Wall of Names," a memorial for Holocaust victims.
• Monuments dedicated to French composers and writers, including Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. Audio guides can also be rented at the entrance, providing a self-guided experience with detailed historical insights.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The famous graves, such as those of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, are must-visit photography spots.
• Photograph the beautiful cemetery landscapes, especially during golden hour when the light casts a serene glow over the tombstones.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance and follow the main paths towards the famous graves (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, etc.). Explore the more peaceful and less crowded areas afterward, visiting notable monuments and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available at Père Lachaise Cemetery. However, special tours may be arranged during certain periods, such as Halloween or the anniversary of famous personalities' deaths, offering a unique perspective of the site.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Père Lachaise Cemetery can be quite crowded, particularly on weekends and during the summer months. The least crowded times are typically early mornings on weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• There are public toilets near the main entrance.
• There are no on-site restaurants, but you can find cafes and restaurants nearby.
• Shops selling souvenirs, including books and postcards, are located near the entrance.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Père Lachaise Cemetery is accessible to most visitors, but it features uneven paths and some areas with steep slopes. Wheelchairs and strollers may have difficulty in certain parts. The main paths and some sections near the entrance are wheelchair accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

While entry is free, cards and mobile payments are accepted for services such as guided tours and souvenir purchases. It's recommended to carry cash for small purchases at the shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are several cafés and restaurants near the cemetery, such as "Le Café du Père Lachaise," offering traditional French food.
• For a more casual experience, the area around the cemetery also has bakeries and coffee shops.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the cafés and restaurants near the cemetery. Halal food options can be found in nearby areas, such as the 11th arrondissement of Paris.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotel Le 20 Prieuré is a nearby option for comfortable accommodations.
• There are also budget-friendly options like the Ibis Styles Paris, which is just a short distance from the cemetery.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The historic Père Lachaise district has other sites of interest, such as the Gambetta area and the Philippe Auguste Tower.
• The Canal Saint-Martin, a picturesque Parisian landmark, is also nearby.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the cemetery sell postcards, books about the cemetery's history, and other small trinkets related to famous figures buried there, like Jim Morrison or Oscar Wilde.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• The nearby Metro stations (Père Lachaise on Line 2 and Line 3) make it easy to continue your trip to other parts of Paris.
• Bus services also connect the cemetery to other key locations in Paris, such as the Marais district and Montmartre.