Père Lachaise Cemetery, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
2h. 1.6 miles. From Père Lachaise main gate to Père Lachaise (Gambetta side).
The most famous cemetery in the world is really a hilly garden city of the dead: cobbled lanes, grand tombs under old trees, and the graves of Chopin, Wilde, Piaf and Jim Morrison. Peaceful, green, and unlike anything else in Paris.
The local move
Grab a map at the gate (or download one) before you go in. The lanes are a maze and the famous graves are scattered; wandering blind, you'll miss them and just get lost among the trees, which, honestly, is also lovely.
Best time to go
Morning, in soft light, and ideally when the leaves are turning. Quietest on weekday mornings.
When to avoid it
It closes around dusk; check the gate hours and don't cut it fine.
The stops
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Opened in 1804, a 44-hectare hillside of tombs, chapels and ancient trees, the resting place of the famous.
Tip: Enter at the main Boulevard de Menilmontant gate and climb; the oldest, grandest section is up the hill.
Grave of Frédéric Chopin
The composer's tomb, almost always covered in fresh flowers, in division 11.
Tip: One of the most visited graves; there are usually flowers and often someone playing his music softly nearby.
Grave of Jim Morrison
The Doors singer's grave, long a pilgrimage site, now barriered after decades of graffiti.
Tip: In division 6. Follow the crowd or the arrows fans scratch on nearby tombs; it's small and easy to miss.
Grave of Oscar Wilde
A striking modernist winged sphinx by Jacob Epstein, once covered in lipstick kisses, now glassed off.
Tip: In division 89, up near the top. The glass barrier went up to protect the stone from the kisses.
Grave of Édith Piaf
The simple family tomb of the beloved singer, born just downhill in Belleville.
Tip: In division 97. Modest compared to the grand tombs around it, often with a small bunch of flowers.
Mur des Fédérés
The wall where the last Communards were shot in 1871, now a memorial.
Tip: A quiet, moving corner on the southeast edge, away from the celebrity graves.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
