8 Fascinating Cemetery Tours in Paris

Paris's cemetery tours offer a uniquely fascinating peek into the city's cultural heritage! I've discovered eight incredible tours across five historic cemeteries, including the famous Père Lachaise, artistic Montmartre, and literary Montparnasse. You'll find the final resting places of icons like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Jean-Paul Sartre, plus stunning architecture and sculptures. Tours range from €15-35, running year-round with options for guided or self-guided exploration. There's a whole world of hidden stories waiting beneath these historic grounds.

Why Paris's Cemetery Tours Are Worth Your Time

Paris's historic cemeteries offer a unique lens through which to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, artistic legacy, and fascinating stories of both famous and forgotten residents. These peaceful necropolises serve as open-air museums, featuring stunning funerary art, architectural masterpieces, and the final resting places of luminaries from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison.

Beyond their historical significance, Paris cemetery tours provide an escape from the city's tourist crowds while delivering profound insights into French attitudes toward death, remembrance, and eternal artistry. These tours combine elements of architecture, history, literature, and sculpture appreciation, making them particularly appealing to culturally curious travelers seeking deeper connections with Parisian heritage.

Quick Facts:

• Best visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (November to March), 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (April to October)
• Tour prices: €15-35 per person
• Photography: Permitted, but tripods require authorization
• Weather consideration: Tours operate year-round, rain or shine
• Physical requirements: Moderate walking on uneven surfaces
• Language options: Available in English, French, and sometimes Spanish
• Duration: Most tours last 2-3 hours
• Advance booking: Recommended, especially during peak season

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour

The crown jewel of Parisian cemeteries, Père Lachaise combines romantic walkways with extraordinary monuments. This 110-acre necropolis houses over 70,000 burial plots, including those of Édith Piaf, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde. Tours typically cost €25 and last 2.5 hours. Insider tip: Visit during autumn when fallen leaves create a haunting atmosphere and tourist numbers decline.

Montmartre Cemetery Tour

Nestled in the artistic heart of Paris, Montmartre Cemetery offers intimate glimpses into the lives of the area's bohemian residents. Notable inhabitants include Edgar Degas and Émile Zola. Tours run approximately €20 and provide excellent photography opportunities. Lesser-known secret: The cemetery's iron bridge above carries the Metro, creating unique architectural views.

Montparnasse Cemetery Tour

This modernist cemetery features contemporary sculptures alongside traditional monuments. Housing the graves of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Charles Baudelaire, it's essential for literature enthusiasts. Tours average €18. Hidden gem: The cemetery contains a rare colony of feral cats, beloved by local caretakers.

Pro Tips:

Morning tours provide the best lighting for photography and the most serene atmosphere. Serious photographers should aim for the "golden hour" just after opening. Consider booking private tours for the freedom to linger at specific graves or monuments of interest. Many tour guides can customize routes based on particular interests – art, literature, music, or architecture.

Practical Advice:

Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as paths can be uneven and sometimes muddy after rain. Bring a water bottle and note that restroom facilities are limited. While most paths are wheelchair accessible, some historic sections have steep grades or stairs. Photography enthusiasts should pack both wide-angle and zoom lenses to capture both architectural details and sweeping cemetery landscapes. Most importantly, remember these are active burial grounds – maintain appropriate respectful behavior during visits.

Père Lachaise: Paths of the Famous and Infamous

Père Lachaise Cemetery stands as Paris's most celebrated necropolis, a sprawling 110-acre landscape where history, art, and mortality intertwine. Since its establishment in 1804, this magnificent cemetery has become the final resting place for countless luminaries, from Jim Morrison to Oscar Wilde, making it the world's most visited cemetery with over 3.5 million visitors annually.

Walking through the cobblestone paths of Père Lachaise offers more than just a glimpse of famous graves; it's an immersive journey through architecture, sculpture, and French cultural heritage. The cemetery's rolling hills, ornate tombstones, and tree-lined avenues create an atmospheric backdrop for exploring stories of love, triumph, and tragedy spanning over two centuries.

Quick Facts:

• Operating Hours: March-November 8:00-18:00; November-March 8:00-17:30
• Admission: Free
• Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays
• Photography: Permitted, tripods require permission
• Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages (€15-25)
• Nearest Metro: Philippe Auguste (Line 2) or Père Lachaise (Lines 2, 3)
• Maps: Available at main entrances (€2)

Notable Sections and Graves:

Jim Morrison's Grave (Division 6)

The Doors frontman's simple plot draws thousands of devoted fans yearly. While smaller than many surrounding monuments, it's constantly adorned with flowers, notes, and tributes. Security guards often patrol this area due to its popularity. Insider tip: Visit before 10 AM to avoid crowds and capture unobstructed photos.

Oscar Wilde's Tomb (Division 89)

The modernist angel monument, designed by Jacob Epstein, bears lipstick kisses from visitors worldwide. Recently cleaned and protected by a glass barrier, it remains one of the cemetery's most striking memorials. Insider tip: Bring a small mirror to see the reflection of the angel's face in different lighting conditions.

Édith Piaf's Family Tomb (Division 97)

France's "Little Sparrow" rests in a surprisingly modest family plot. Despite its simplicity, fresh flowers consistently appear from admirers of the legendary singer. Insider tip: The grave is often overlooked because it's marked under her married name, Madame Lamboukas.

Pro Tips:

Navigate this vast cemetery efficiently by downloading the official cemetery app, which provides GPS-guided tours and detailed information about notable residents. Consider visiting during autumn when falling leaves create a particularly atmospheric experience, and the reduced foliage makes finding specific graves easier. Morning fog often creates stunning photo opportunities, especially around the more gothic sections near the crematorium.

Practical Advice:

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as paths can be uneven and slippery when wet. Bring a detailed map or download the cemetery app beforehand, as mobile reception can be spotty within the grounds. While photography is permitted, maintain respectful distance from ongoing funerals or grieving visitors. Keep in mind that the cemetery's hills can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and some areas lack wheelchair accessibility.

Montmartre Cemetery: Artists' Final Paradise

Nestled in the heart of Paris's bohemian 18th arrondissement, Montmartre Cemetery stands as a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the artistic legacy of the City of Light. This 11-hectare necropolis, established in 1825, serves as the eternal home to some of France's most celebrated artists, writers, and performers, making it a compelling destination for both history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Unlike its more famous cousin Père Lachaise, Montmartre Cemetery offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, built in a former gypsum quarry below street level. The cemetery's unique topography, combined with its collection of elaborate tombs and sculptures, creates an atmospheric journey through Paris's artistic heritage, where centuries-old plane trees shade the final resting places of cultural icons.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: March to November 8:00-18:00; November to March 8:00-17:30
• Admission: Free
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting
• Photography: Allowed without flash or tripod
• Accessibility: Multiple steep paths, comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Guided Tours: Available in English (book 48 hours in advance)
• Location: 20 Avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris

Notable Graves:

• Edgar Degas (1834-1917): The Impressionist master's simple tomb lies in Division 4, marked by a modest headstone. The surrounding area features several art-themed sculptures, making it a popular spot for art historians.
• Dalida (1933-1987): The iconic singer's bronze bust has become one of the cemetery's most visited sites, with visitors often touching it for luck. Located near the main entrance, her memorial is frequently adorned with fresh flowers.
• Émile Zola (1840-1902): Though his remains were later moved to the Panthéon, his original tomb remains here, featuring striking architectural elements and detailed engravings.

Pro Tips:

The cemetery's many cats have become unofficial guardians of the grounds, and bringing cat treats can lead to unique photo opportunities and memorable encounters. Visit during autumn when the fallen leaves create a golden carpet beneath the towering plane trees, offering exceptional photography conditions. The morning light filtering through the trees creates dramatic shadows across the monuments, perfect for atmospheric shots.

Practical Advice:

Obtain a free map from the conservation office near the main entrance, as the cemetery's layout can be confusing. The graves are organized by division numbers, but many visitors find it helpful to photograph the directory board at the entrance for reference. While most paths are paved, some areas require walking on uneven ground, so wear appropriate footwear. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid tour groups and enjoy a more contemplative experience.

Montparnasse: Literary Legends and Sculptural Splendor

Nestled in the heart of Paris's 14th arrondissement, Montparnasse Cemetery stands as a representation of France's intellectual and artistic heritage. This 47-acre necropolis, opened in 1824, serves as the final resting place for some of history's most influential writers, philosophers, and artists, making it a compelling destination for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The cemetery's tree-lined avenues and architectural magnificence offer visitors an intimate glimpse into Paris's cultural legacy. Unlike its more famous counterpart, Père Lachaise, Montparnasse Cemetery provides a quieter, more contemplative experience, where visitors can discover elaborate sculptures, Art Deco tombs, and the graves of luminaries like Charles Baudelaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir without fighting through crowds.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: March-November 8am-6pm; November-March 8am-5:30pm
• Admission: Free
• Best visiting times: Early morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting
• Photography: Allowed, tripods permitted
• Guided tours: Available in English (book 48 hours in advance)
• Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain, wheelchair accessible
• Maps: Available at the main entrance for €2

Notable Literary Graves:

Samuel Beckett's austere granite headstone reflects the playwright's minimalist style while drawing literary pilgrims worldwide. Located in Division 12, the simple marker bears only his name and dates, embodying his famous quote, "Less is more." Insider tip: Look for the small stones left by visitors – a tradition among theater practitioners seeking inspiration.

Charles Baudelaire's family tomb, adorned with a striking sculpture by José de Charmoy, sits in Division 6. The poet shares his resting place with his mother and stepfather. The bronze relief depicting scenes from "Les Fleurs du Mal" was added in 1902. Insider tip: Visit early morning when sunlight creates dramatic shadows across the sculptural elements.

The joint grave of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir symbolizes their lifelong partnership. Located near the main entrance, their modest tomb often features fresh flowers and notes from philosophy students. Insider tip: The nearby café Les Deux Magots was their favorite haunt – consider visiting it after the cemetery for a full existentialist experience.

Pro Tips:

The cemetery's western section offers the most impressive architectural monuments and sculptures, best photographed during golden hour. Download the cemetery's official app for self-guided tours, which includes lesser-known stories about the residents and hidden artistic details. Consider visiting during autumn when falling leaves create a particularly atmospheric setting, and the reduced foliage reveals usually obscured monuments.

Practical Advice:

While maps are available, the cemetery's layout can be confusing. Photograph the cemetery map at the entrance or download it beforehand, and plan your route according to specific graves you wish to visit. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the paths are often uneven. Water fountains are scarce, so carry a bottle, especially during summer months. Most importantly, remember this is an active cemetery – maintain respectful behavior and avoid walking across graves or touching monuments.

Hidden Gems at Picpus Cemetery

Tucked away in Paris's 12th arrondissement, Picpus Cemetery stands as one of the city's most poignant yet overlooked historical sites. This private cemetery holds profound importance as the final resting place of 1,306 victims of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror and houses the only graves of French aristocrats executed at the guillotine that remain intact today.

Unlike its more famous counterparts such as Père Lachaise or Montmartre, Picpus Cemetery offers visitors a uniquely intimate and contemplative experience. The site is particularly notable for containing the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French military officer who played a pivotal role in both the American and French Revolutions, making it a notable destination for both French and American visitors.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Admission: €2 donation suggested
• Photography: Permitted with respect for privacy
• Access: Limited to guided visits only
• Location: 35 Rue de Picpus, 75012 Paris
• Visit Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
• Language: French tours primarily, some English tours available

Notable Features:

The Memorial Garden

A serene space featuring two mass graves where victims of the guillotine were buried. The adjacent walls display plaques listing the names, ages, and professions of those interred, offering a sobering glimpse into the Revolution's human toll. Insider tip: Look for the small wooden markers indicating where archaeological studies have confirmed the presence of remains.

Lafayette's Tomb

The grave of Marquis de Lafayette is marked by both French and American flags, reflecting his importance to both nations. An American flag has flown here continuously since World War I, maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Insider tip: Visit on July 4th when American officials conduct a special commemorative ceremony.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace

This modest chapel contains historical artifacts and documents related to the cemetery's creation. The guest register includes signatures from notable visitors throughout history. Insider tip: Ask the caretaker about the hidden trap door leading to the original crypt.

Pro Tips:

Plan your visit for mid-week afternoons when the cemetery is least crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience. Spring and early fall offer the best combination of pleasant weather and beautiful grounds maintenance. Consider booking a specialized historical tour that combines Picpus with other Revolutionary sites in Paris for a more thorough understanding of the period.

Practical Advice:

Given the cemetery's limited opening hours and required guided access, call ahead to confirm availability and potential schedule changes. Bring cash for the suggested donation, wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven grounds, and consider bringing a French phrasebook as many caretakers speak limited English. The cemetery's importance is best appreciated with some prior knowledge of the French Revolution, so brief research beforehand will enhance your visit greatly.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: The Royal Connection

The historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés cemetery district stands as an evidence of France's royal heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the final resting places of French nobility and aristocracy. Dating back to the 6th century, this area has evolved from a simple burial ground to a prestigious necropolis that tells the story of Paris's royal connections through elaborate tombs and magnificent funerary art.

Walking through Saint-Germain-des-Prés reveals an intricate tapestry of French history, where ornate mausoleums and sculptured monuments honor members of the royal court, distinguished nobles, and influential aristocrats who shaped the nation's destiny. The cemetery's location in one of Paris's most fashionable districts adds to its allure, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.

Quick Facts:

• Best visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March to November), 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November to March)
• Admission: Free
• Guided tours: €15-25 per person
• Photography: Allowed, tripods require permission
• Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain, some narrow paths
• Best weather conditions: Clear days, avoid rainy periods
• Duration: 1-2 hours recommended

Notable Royal Connections:

The Merovingian Tombs

Located in the oldest section of the cemetery, these 6th-century tombs house remains of the Merovingian dynasty's members. The simple yet powerful stone sarcophagi contrast sharply with later ornate burial styles, offering insight into early French royal burial practices. Insider tip: Look for the barely visible carved crosses on the tomb sides, which were often deliberately subtle during periods of religious persecution.

Bourbon Family Plot

This elaborate section features stunning 18th-century funerary architecture, including marble statuary and intricate ironwork. The area contains remains of several Bourbon dynasty members, though not the main royal line. Hours: Accessible during regular cemetery hours. Insider tip: Visit during early morning hours when the sun creates dramatic shadows across the carved details.

Pro Tips:

Morning visits offer the best photography opportunities when the light filters through the ancient trees, creating an atmospheric setting perfect for capturing the intricate details of the monuments. Consider joining a specialized royal history tour that combines the cemetery visit with the nearby Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey, where many royal ceremonies once took place.

Practical Advice:

Respect funeral processions and ongoing burials by maintaining appropriate distance and silence. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and bringing a detailed cemetery map is recommended as many important tombs are tucked away in less obvious locations. Local guides can be booked through the district tourism office, and advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak tourist season (June-September).

Planning Your Cemetery Visit: Tips and Etiquette

Paris's historic cemeteries are more than final resting places – they're open-air museums filled with stunning funerary art, fascinating historical figures, and peaceful botanical havens within the bustling city. From the famous Père Lachaise to the intimate Montmartre Cemetery, these sacred grounds offer visitors a unique perspective on Parisian culture, history, and artistry.

Planning a cemetery visit requires thoughtful preparation and an understanding of proper etiquette, as these sites serve both as tourist attractions and active burial grounds. This guide will help you navigate the practical aspects of visiting Paris's cemeteries while ensuring you show appropriate respect for these historic locations and their continued purpose.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (November-March) and 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (April-October)
• Admission: Free
• Photography: Permitted, but with restrictions
• Best Visiting Times: Early morning or late afternoon
• Weather Considerations: Open year-round, but paths can be slippery in wet weather
• Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, averaging €15-25 per person

Essential Etiquette Guidelines:

• Maintain quiet, respectful behavior
• Stay on designated paths
• Don't touch or climb on monuments
• Keep appropriate distance from any active funerals
• No eating or drinking within cemetery grounds
• Ask permission before photographing mourners
• Avoid visiting during religious holidays

Pro Tips:

The ideal time to visit Paris cemeteries is during the "golden hour" before sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows and enhances the photogenic nature of the monuments. Consider visiting on weekday mornings to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience. Having a detailed map is essential, as the larger cemeteries can be maze-like – download digital maps beforehand since cell service can be spotty within the grounds.

Practical Considerations:

Weather-appropriate footwear is vital, as many paths are cobblestone or gravel. Bring water (to be consumed outside the grounds), a camera with spare batteries, and a physical map or guidebook. For serious photographers, a tripod is permitted but requires advance permission from cemetery administration. Consider booking a guided tour for your first visit, as experts can provide historical context and help navigate the extensive grounds while ensuring proper etiquette is maintained.

Best Guided Tours and Self-Guided Routes

Paris's historic cemeteries offer a unique blend of art, history, and tranquility that draws visitors from around the world. These elaborate necropoles serve as open-air museums, featuring stunning funerary art, architecture spanning centuries, and final resting places of countless luminaries from literature, music, and art.

Whether discovering the haunting beauty of Père Lachaise or exploring the intimate paths of Montmartre Cemetery, guided and self-guided tours provide distinct ways to experience these remarkable sites. From expert-led historical walks to contemplative solo wanderings, each approach reveals different layers of Paris's memorial heritage.

Quick Facts:

• Best visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March to November), 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November to March)
• Guided tour costs: €15-25 per person
• Photography: Permitted, tripods require permission
• Terrain: Varied, including cobblestones and hills
• Weather consideration: Tours operate year-round, but paths can be slippery when wet
• Accessibility: Limited in some areas due to steep grades and narrow paths

Père Lachaise Official Tours

The cemetery's official guided tours, operated by Paris Walks, offer thorough two-hour explorations of this 110-acre site. Tours run Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, covering major monuments and famous residents like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. Located in the 20th arrondissement, tours begin at the main entrance on Boulevard de Ménilmontant. Insider tip: Book the first tour of the day for the best photography opportunities and fewer crowds.

Dark Paris Cemetery Tours

These specialized evening tours combine historical insights with atmospheric storytelling. Operating Thursday through Sunday, these tours cover Montmartre Cemetery and include lesser-known legends and mysterious tales. Tours start at Place de Clichy and cost €22 per person. Insider tip: The sunset tours in summer months offer spectacular photography conditions as light filters through the monuments.

Self-Guided Montparnasse Route

A well-marked pathway through Montparnasse Cemetery allows visitors to explore at their own pace. Free maps are available at the entrance on Boulevard Edgar Quinet, highlighting graves of notable figures like Charles Baudelaire and Jean-Paul Sartre. Insider tip: Download the cemetery's official app for interactive navigation and detailed historical information about each stop.

Pro Tips:

The most rewarding cemetery visits combine advance research with spontaneous discovery. Study cemetery maps beforehand to identify must-see locations, but allow time for wandering the smaller paths where unexpected treasures await. For photography enthusiasts, early morning fog creates ethereal conditions, particularly in autumn months when falling leaves add extra atmosphere.

Practical Advice:

Respect is paramount in these active burial grounds. Maintain appropriate distance from current mourners, avoid touching or sitting on monuments, and keep voices low. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as tours typically cover 2-3 kilometers of uneven terrain. Carry water and wear weather-appropriate clothing, as shelter options are limited within the cemeteries.