How to Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery (And Why It’s Worth It)

Père Lachaise is more than a cemetery — it’s a cultural landmark, an open-air museum, and a peaceful sanctuary tucked inside the bustling streets of eastern Paris. With its winding cobblestone paths, ornate mausoleums, and world-famous graves, this historic site tells the story of Paris through the lives (and legacies) of its most iconic residents.

If you’re looking to add something meaningful, offbeat, and visually stunning to your Paris itinerary, here’s how to visit Père Lachaise Cemetery — and why it deserves a spot on your list.

🗺️ How to Get to Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise is located in the 20th arrondissement. It’s easily accessible by Paris Métro:

Metro Stop: Père Lachaise (Lines 2 and 3) or Philippe Auguste (Line 2 – right near the main entrance)
Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris

From central Paris, it takes about 20–30 minutes by Metro.

🕗 Opening Hours & Entry Info

Entry: Free
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  (Last admission: 15–30 mins before closing time)

Note: Gates close promptly, so plan your visit with time to exit before closure.

🧭 Do You Need a Map or Guide?

Yes — Père Lachaise is vast, with over 70,000 burial plots and maze-like pathways. Without a map, it’s easy to get lost or miss major landmarks.

Options:

🗺️ Download a free cemetery map from the official website or pick one up at the entrance.
🎧 Join a guided tour to hear the stories behind the tombs and get deeper context.
📱 Use an audio guide app or self-guided walking tour from platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

💡 Affiliate Tip: Book a Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour of Père Lachaise for the full storytelling experience — ideal for first-time visitors.

🎭 Famous Graves to Visit

Here are some of the most visited and photographed tombs in Père Lachaise:

Jim Morrison – The Doors frontman; fans leave notes, flowers, and even lighters.
Oscar Wilde – Iconic for its lipstick-kissed glass barrier and poetic tribute.
Edith Piaf – France’s beloved singer, resting in quiet simplicity.
Frédéric Chopin – Romantic-era composer with an ornate tomb surrounded by flowers.
Marcel Proust – Literary giant and author of In Search of Lost Time.
Georges Méliès – Pioneer of early cinema and visual effects.

🏛️ Architecture & Atmosphere

Père Lachaise is a blend of Gothic, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau styles. The mausoleums range from grand and imposing to eerie and overgrown. Some tombs are works of art in themselves, with angelic statues, wrought iron doors, and stained glass.

You’ll find quiet corners shaded by trees, ivy-covered monuments, and birdsong in the background — it feels more like a secret garden than a graveyard.

📸 Best Photo Spots

The tree-lined main paths in the morning light
Oscar Wilde’s tomb from the side (glass reflections + stone carving)
Angled views of mausoleums with dramatic shadows
High points near the eastern edge offer peaceful panoramic shots of tomb clusters

📷 Pro tip: Go early in the day or late in the afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds.

🧘 Why It’s Worth Your Time

Père Lachaise isn’t just about death — it’s about legacy. Each tomb tells a story, and walking through the cemetery is like walking through Parisian history, art, and memory.

Whether you’re a music fan, literature lover, or just a curious traveler, this site blends emotion, elegance, and the unexpected. It’s a place to slow down, reflect, and see another side of the city.

🎟️ Recommended Tours & Audio Guides

Final Tips

🚫 No pets allowed
🚶 Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are uneven
⏱️ Allow at least 1.5–2 hours
🧴 Bring water, especially in summer
🧣 Dress appropriately — respectful attire is recommended

Père Lachaise is one of the world’s most fascinating cemeteries — and uniquely Parisian. It’s not just a stop; it’s a full experience.

Ready to explore? Start planning your visit now. 👉 Browse Tours & Audio Guides