Why visit Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery gravestones and pathways in Paris, France.

Celebrity graves

Père Lachaise began in 1804 with few takers, until officials reburied famed writers Molière and La Fontaine to boost interest. The plan worked. Today, it’s the final resting place of icons like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Chopin. Visitors flock here to honor the cultural giants who shaped music, art, and literature.

Visitors exploring Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, near famous graves on the Famous Graves of Paris Tour.

History that’s not a mystery

This cemetery tells the story of France. A key site during the 1871 Paris Commune, it’s home to the Mur des Fédérés, where 147 rebels were executed. Many graves and monuments recall wars, resistance movements, and political struggles, making Père Lachaise a living timeline of French history and a deeply symbolic memorial space.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery pathway with historic tombstones and trees in Paris, France.

An open-air museum

More than just a burial ground, Père Lachaise is a showcase of funerary art. Gothic tombs, Haussmannian chapels, Art Nouveau statues, and Neoclassical mausoleums line its leafy paths. Each structure offers insight into different artistic eras and personal legacies, turning a simple stroll into an immersive cultural and architectural experience.

Visitors exploring Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, during a guided walking tour.

Tranquility in the city

Despite its fame, Père Lachaise offers serene green spaces rarely found in urban Paris. With 44 hectares of tree-shaded paths, moss-covered tombs, and quiet corners, the cemetery invites peaceful reflection. It’s a place to slow down, listen to birdsong, and absorb both nature and history in a uniquely contemplative setting.

Père Lachaise cemetery pathway lined with historic tombstones and trees in Paris.

Quirky local traditions

Père Lachaise is full of eccentric rituals. Visitors kiss the glass-protected tomb of Oscar Wilde, rub Victor Noir’s statue for fertility, and leave notes for lost loves. These traditions, born of myth and affection, add whimsy to the solemnity, making the cemetery one of Paris’s most fascinating places for stories and superstitions.

Père Lachaise Cemetery pathway with famous graves, Paris tour.

A place that’s always evolving

Père Lachaise isn’t frozen in time. New graves, plaques, and contemporary artworks continue to be added. Digital maps and conservation projects help preserve history while making it easier to explore and understand. This evolution ensures the cemetery stays relevant, both as a functioning site and as a space where old and new stories coexist.

Things to know before booking your Père Lachaise Cemetery tickets

Free to enter, but not so easy to explore

While entry to Père Lachaise Cemetery is free, navigating the 44-hectare maze of over a million graves isn’t as simple as showing up. Many tombs, including those of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, are hidden in plain sight, and maps alone may not help you find them.

To make the most of your visit, it’s best to book a tour:

Which type of tour suits you best?

  • Guided tours are ideal if you want a structured experience. Follow a local expert through major landmarks and hidden corners while hearing fascinating stories about the people buried here. These are small-group tours (usually capped at 20) and last about 2 hours.
  • Private guided tours are more intimate and flexible. You get to choose your group, ideal for families, couples, or history buffs, and explore at your own pace with tailored commentary.
  • Self-guided audio tours are perfect for independent travelers. Download the GPS-enabled mobile app (available in 7 languages) before your visit. It’s valid for a year, letting you take breaks, revisit, or explore on your own schedule.

Add a twist to your visit

Looking for something a little different? The Escape Game: Who Killed Victor? turns the cemetery into a mystery-solving playground. In groups of 2-15, you’ll uncover clues and unravel a fictional murder plot, all while learning real stories about the cemetery’s residents.

No on-site ticket counter

You won’t find a ticketing desk at Père Lachaise. All experiences must be booked online in advance.

When should you book?

While you don’t need to reserve months ahead, we recommend booking 3–5 days in advance, especially in peak seasons like spring, summer, or around All Saints’ Day (Nov 1), when the cemetery draws large crowds.

Which Père Lachaise ticket is right for you?

Père Lachaise Cemetery pathway with famous graves, Paris tour.

Self-guided audio tour

Duration: Flexible (self-paced)

Guide: No

Group size: Solo

Best for: Independent explorers who prefer going at their own pace.

Why go for it?

  • Navigate the cemetery’s winding paths with a GPS-enabled audio guide on your phone.
  • Visit iconic graves like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf, and learn their stories on your terms.
  • Audio guide available in 7 languages and valid for 1 year, perfect for flexible plans.
  • Avoid crowded group tours and spend extra time at the graves that matter to you.

Recommended ticket:

Père Lachaise Cemetery Audio Guide Tour of Famous Graves

Guide explaining history at Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.

Guided tours

Duration: 2 hours

Guide: Yes

Group Size:

  • Guided Tour: Up to 20 people
  • Private Tour: You choose your group (max 15, ideal for couples, families, or friends)

Best for: Visitors who want expert-led storytelling and a structured route through the vast cemetery, either in a small group or private format.

Why go for it?

  • A licensed local guide brings the cemetery to life with stories of famous residents like Chopin, Piaf, Modigliani, Jim Morrison, and lesser-known icons.
  • Navigate the sprawling grounds without getting lost as your guide handles the route while you focus on the experience.
  • Choose a private tour for a more personal, flexible pace, with the chance to dive deeper into the stories that interest you most.

Recommended tickets:

  • Guided Tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery’s Famous Graves
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery Famous Graves Private Guided Tour
Père Lachaise Cemetery tombstones and pathways on a haunted guided tour in Paris, France.

Escape game tour

Duration: ~2 hours

Guide/Game Master: Yes

Group Size: 2 to 15 players

Best for: Friends, families, or coworkers looking for something playful and unusual.

Why go for it?

  • Solve the fictional murder mystery of “Who Killed Victor?” through clue-filled booklets and cemetery maps.
  • Led by a game master with live commentary on cemetery legends and local history.
  • A fun mix of outdoor adventure, problem-solving, and storytelling that takes you through various graves. Perfect for repeat visitors, curious minds, or team outings looking for something different.

Recommended ticket:

Père Lachaise Cemetery Escape Game: Who Killed Victor?

The Four Parts of the World Holding the Celestial Sphere at d’Orsay Museum, Paris

Combo ticket

Duration: Self-paced visits

Guide: No

Best for: Art and culture lovers wanting a reflective Paris experience at their own rhythm.

Why go for it?

  • Discover two sides of Paris’s cultural heritage, historic graves and iconic art, with this audio-guided combo.
  • Visit the final resting places of legends at Père Lachaise and admire masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and more at the Orsay Museum.
  • Enjoy ultimate flexibility: both audio guides are valid for a full year, making this combo perfect for travelers who like to explore at their own pace.

Recommended ticket:

Combo (7% OFF): Père-Lachaise Audio Guided Tour + Orsay Museum with Audioguide

The famous and forgotten at Père Lachaise Cemetery

Victor Noir

Victor Noir, a journalist shot in a political dispute, lies beneath a life-sized statue by Jules Dalou. The sculpture’s unusual trouser bulge sparked a fertility myth; kissing the lips or touching the bulge is said to bring luck. Today, hopeful couples and curious visitors flock to his grave, turning it into a cheeky Parisian legend.

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s tomb is as bold as the writer himself. Designed by Jacob Epstein, it features a winged angel and once bore countless lipstick kisses from fans. Though now protected by glass, admirers still visit to honor the author of The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest with flowers, notes, and reverence.

Édith Piaf

Adorned with fresh flowers year-round, Édith Piaf’s grave reflects the romance of her music. The legendary voice behind La Vie en Rose rose from poverty to global fame. Visitors leave tokens of admiration at her grave, making it a tribute to resilience, love, and the timeless beauty of her iconic songs and life story.

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison, The Doors’ frontman, has one of Père Lachaise’s simplest graves, yet it draws constant crowds. Fans leave flowers, poems, and messages, honoring his lyrical genius and rebellious spirit. Despite its modest design, his tomb remains one of the cemetery’s most visited, an enduring symbol of 1960s counterculture and poetic rock stardom.

Abélard and Héloïse

The joint grave of Abélard and Héloïse tells a tragic love story. He, a philosopher, and she, his brilliant student, were torn apart by scandal but reunited in death. Visitors pay tribute with love letters and flowers, celebrating their enduring legacy as medieval lovers who inspired countless romantic tales through the centuries.

Frédéric Chopin

Romantic-era composer Frédéric Chopin is buried here, though his heart lies in Poland, smuggled in cognac by his sister per his wishes. His elegant tomb honors his legacy as one of music’s greats. The dramatic gesture reflects his homesickness and taphophobia—fear of being buried alive—making his resting place as poetic as his music.

Baroness Stroganova

Baroness Stroganova’s ornate grave hints at her Russian aristocratic roots. While lesser-known, her tomb is surrounded by eerie legends, including rumors of vampirism tied to the Stroganov family. Whether myth or mystery, her resting place intrigues those drawn to the cemetery’s darker, more supernatural stories and adds a Gothic edge to its lore.

Bernard Verlhac (Tignous)

Tignous, a cartoonist for Charlie Hebdo, is remembered for his fearless satire. After the 2015 terrorist attack, his grave became a memorial for free speech. Covered with pens, sketches, and tributes, it honors his bold voice and reminds visitors of the power—and the price—of humor in challenging injustice and authoritarianism.

Plan your visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery

November 6 to March 15:

  • Mon–Sat: 8am–5:30pm
  • Sun & public holidays: 9am–5:30pm

March 16 to November 5:

  • Mon–Sat: 8am–6pm
  • Sun & public holidays: 9am–6pm

Address: 16 rue du Repos, 75020, Paris, France

Find on maps

By Metro: Line 2 | Closest stop: Philippe Auguste

By Bus: Lines 61, 69, 71, N16, N34 | Stop: Roquette, Père Lachaise

By Car: Nearest parking is at Gambetta car park, accessible via Boulevard Périphérique, Boulevard des Maréchaux, and Place Gambetta.

  • The experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • You are allowed to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour.
  • Loud noises, music, and picnics are not allowed.
  • Dogs are not permitted, even if leashed.
  • Stick to designated paths while walking around and avoid running or jogging within the cemetery grounds.
  • Public restrooms are available near main entrances, along with drinking fountains throughout the cemetery.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited at Père Lachaise Cemetery.

The Père Lachaise Cemetery has 5 entrances:

Porte Principale (Main Entrance)
Location: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, across from Rue de la Roquette.

Porte du Repos
Location: 16 Rue du Repos.

Porte de la Réunion
Location: At the dead end of Rue de la Réunion.

Porte des Amandiers
Location: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, across from the Père-Lachaise metro station.

Porte Gambetta
Location: Rue des Rondeaux, opposite Avenue du Père Lachaise.

  • Père Lachaise has cobblestone paths and uneven, hilly terrain, which may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
  • While the site itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, private tour providers may offer slight route adjustments; confirm in advance if accessibility is a concern.
  • Public toilets are available near the main entrances. 
  • Drinking fountains are located throughout the cemetery. 
  • There are no cafés or food kiosks inside, so bring your water or snacks if needed.

Atelier des Lumières: This interactive art museum showcases famous artists' works, such as Van Gogh and Monet paintings, set to music in a unique, immersive setting.

Château de Vincennes: A short drive away, this well-preserved medieval castle boasts impressive towers, a moat, and beautiful grounds.

Saint Eustache Church: This magnificent 16th-century church, near the cemetery, is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

Parc de Belleville: This park offers panoramic views of Paris and features gardens, playgrounds, and walking paths. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Père Lachaise Cemetery tickets

Do I need a ticket to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery?

No, entry to Père Lachaise Cemetery is free, but guided tours require tickets for a more enriching experience. They offer historical insights and the chance to visit lesser-known graves and monuments.

What types of guided tours are available at Père Lachaise Cemetery?

You can choose from:

  • Small-group guided tours (up to 20 people): Visit iconic graves with an expert guide and hear fascinating stories.
  • Private tours: Choose your group and pace. Ideal for families or anyone wanting a tailored experience.
  • Audio-guided tours: Explore independently with a GPS-enabled app narrated by a historian.
  • Escape game tours: Solve a murder mystery in a 2–15 player group while discovering real graves and stories.

All tours must be booked online; there’s no on-site ticketing.

How long does a typical visit to Père Lachaise take?

Most guided tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you enough time to explore the cemetery's main highlights, including the graves of famous personalities.

What is the best time to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery?

The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the cemetery is quieter and less crowded. For a more atmospheric experience, visiting in autumn can be particularly beautiful with the changing leaves.

Are there any accessibility options for visitors with mobility challenges?

Père Lachaise Cemetery has cobblestone paths and hilly terrain, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, some tours can be adjusted for accessibility, so it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

Are there toilets available at Père Lachaise Cemetery?

Yes, there are public restrooms near the main entrance of the cemetery.

Is Père Lachaise Cemetery open during public holidays?

Yes, the cemetery remains open during most public holidays, but guided tours may have adjusted schedules, so it's best to confirm in advance. Your ticket will have information about the same.

Is there a dress code for visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery?

There is no strict dress code, but since it's a cemetery, it's best to wear respectful, modest clothing. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

Can I visit Père Lachaise Cemetery at night?

No, the cemetery is closed at night. It’s open daily from around 8am to 6pm, with slightly shorter hours in winter.

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