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Cemeteries of Paris, France | |
| It's fascinating to walk through the beautiful cemeteries of Paris, with their lovely landscaping, interesting tombs, and variety of celebrities. | ||
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The main cemeteries (or cimetières) of Paris are all interesting places to walk, and you'll be amazed at the number of famous people who are buried there. The four principal cemeteries were created by Napoléon in the early 1800s, replacing the former Cemetery of the Innocents, near today's Les Halles. The Innocents had been the main burial ground for Paris for centuries, leading to unhealthy conditions. When it was closed, the remains of six to seven million Parisians were transferred to the Catacombs. The new cemeteries were positioned outside of the city limits of the early 1800s, although they are now well within the boundaries of Paris. All can be visited; Père-Lachaise may be the most famous cemetery in Paris, but others are well worth a look. Cimetière du Père-LachaiseThe most famous cemetery in Paris, Père-Lachaise is also a beautiful park, with interesting plantings and many large memorials spread over its 100 hilly acres. Referred to as the east cemetery, it is the oldest (1804) and is considered the first garden cemetery. More... Cimetière de MontmartreThe Montmartre Cemetery, the north cemetery, opened in 1825. With its many trees and its large size, it provides a sense of countryside near the busy Montmartre area. It is home to a number of famous Parisians, as well as beautiful plantings. More... Cimetière de MontparnasseStriking when seen from the Tour Montparnasse, the Cimetière de Montparnasse is a peaceful place to wander—and find more celebrities. It's the south cemetery and opened in 1824. More... Cimetière de PassyThe smallest of the four major cemeteries, Passy is located in the 16th arrondissement, not far from the Trocadéro. Being in the fashionable Passy area, its graves include many wealthy and aristocratic families. It opened in 1820 and is the western cemetery. More.... Les CatacombesAlthough not a cemetery and certainly not a park, the catacombs contain more human remains than all the cemeteries put together. They are underground (130 steps down) in former quarries. You may want to visit as part of exploring the city's history. More...
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Above, Tomb of Edith Piaf, at Père-Lachaise.
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