Père Lachaise Cemetery
8.0Friend Score / 10#17 of 20 Attractions in Paris
Known forcemeterypere lachaisejim morrison gravechopin
The most famous cemetery in the world, a hilly, green, wonderfully atmospheric place where Jim Morrison, Chopin, Wilde, and Piaf all rest. Free and genuinely worth a slow wander. Caveat: it's huge and confusing, so grab a map or you'll get pleasantly lost hunting for graves.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 Sat–Sat 08:30–18:00 Sun–Sun 09:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Père Lachaise (M2, M3) or Philippe Auguste (M2) |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Best time to go | Mid-morning on a dry day; autumn is especially atmospheric |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it easy to walk?
- It's hilly with uneven cobbled paths, so wear sturdy shoes and skip it in the rain if you can. It's manageable for most, but not the flattest stroll in Paris.
- Whose graves should I look for?
- The big draws are Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, Édith Piaf, and the Communards' Wall. Each corner hides more, so let yourself discover along the way.
- How do I find specific graves?
- Download or grab a map at the entrance, because the numbered divisions are a maze. Some famous plots are signposted, but a map (or the cemetery's app) saves a lot of frustration.
- Is it a morbid place to visit?
- Not at all, it reads more like a leafy, sculptural park than a somber graveyard. Parisians stroll and picnic nearby, and the mood is peaceful rather than gloomy.
- What are the opening hours?
- Roughly 8am to 6pm in the warmer months (March 16 to November 5), with slightly later 8:30am Saturday and 9am Sunday starts, and it closes 30 minutes earlier in winter. Arrive well before closing so you're not rushed out.
- How much time should I set aside?
- Give it 1.5 to 2 hours for a good wander hitting the highlights. History buffs and photographers easily spend half a day among the tombs and tree-lined lanes.
- Is there an entry fee?
- No, Père Lachaise is free to enter and open to the public. Guided tours cost money, but wandering on your own costs nothing.
- Which entrance is best?
- The main Boulevard de Ménilmontant entrance is closest to Wilde and Morrison, while the Rue du Repos gate near Père Lachaise metro is handy too. Enter uphill and wander down to save your legs.
Nearby in Ask Paris
- Fifty - FiftyBar1.41 km · 18 min walk
- BluebirdBar1.45 km · 18 min walk
- BellevilleNeighborhood1.46 km · 18 min walk
- Le Baron RougeBar1.74 km · 22 min walk
- MoonshinerBar1.76 km · 22 min walk
Where to stay near Père Lachaise Cemetery
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