The Silent Stories of Paris: Exploring Cemeteries You Won't Forget
A journey through the lesser-known treasures of Paris, from iconic graveyards to the eerie Catacombs
Talking about Parisian cemeteries?
I can hear you say: well, Pierre, what a strange idea!
Yet, these places—steeped in the history of Paris—deserve a visit, especially if you're spending at least a week in the City of Light.
Why, you ask? Well, let me take you on a journey through these peaceful havens where the past and present intermingle in surprising ways.
Whether it's for their fascinating stories, impressive architecture, or the calming atmosphere, cemeteries offer a unique escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
The Hidden Calm in the Heart of Paris
One thing I’ve always loved about Paris is the contrast between its lively streets and its quiet corners.
And few places are as quiet—or as thought-provoking—as the city’s cemeteries.
These are not just places to mourn but to reflect, to learn, and even to marvel at the artistry of tombstones and monuments.
Paris is home to fourteen municipal cemeteries, covering a total of over 400 hectares.
Each one has its own unique charm and history.
The largest and most famous, Père Lachaise, spans nearly 44 hectares alone, while smaller gems like Cimetière du Calvaire are less than 0.1 hectare in size.
In total, there are over 400,000 tombs spread across these cemeteries, with millions of Parisians resting beneath the city’s soil.
Some cemeteries, like Père Lachaise, are home to over 70,000 graves, while others, such as Cimetière du Calvaire, have 85.
What always fascinates me is the sheer number of trees—thousands of them, with Père Lachaise alone boasting over 5,000 trees.
It makes these places feel more like peaceful parks than graveyards, particularly in the autumn when the golden leaves blanket the paths.
Austere and unwelcoming French cemeteries?
Interestingly, French cemeteries are often known for their "mineral" character—without trees or much greenery.
This gives them a somewhat austere and unwelcoming appearance, in contrast to English or German cemeteries, which resemble gardens.
In German, they even use the word friedhof, which evokes the idea of a peaceful yard.
The full term "Friedhof" translates literally to "peace yard" or "place of peace", which aptly reflects the tranquil and serene atmosphere of cemeteries in Germany, often designed like gardens to evoke a sense of calm.
However, in Paris, most cemeteries are far more verdant, with Père Lachaise being one of the greenest.
The trees and greenery offer a sense of calm, softening the otherwise stark presence of stone monuments and making these spaces feel much more inviting.
Let’s now review some of Paris’ most interesting cemeteries.
The Iconic Père Lachaise Cemetery: A City Within a City
Let’s begin with the most famous of all Parisian cemeteries—Père Lachaise.
Established in 1804, it’s not just a cemetery; it’s practically a small city.
Covering nearly 44 hectares, it’s home to over 70,000 tombs.
Walking through Père Lachaise feels like you’re entering a different world, where Parisian history, art, and nature all converge.
I’ve spent hours wandering here, and each visit reveals something new.
Here, you’ll find the graves of some of the most famous figures in the world.
Jean de La Fontaine and Molière lie in close proximity, their tombs attracting literary fans from all over.
I remember my first time standing in front of Jim Morrison’s grave, surrounded by music fans, many leaving notes and flowers.
The tomb of Oscar Wilde is equally mesmerising, with its modernist monument and lipstick kisses left by admirers.
It’s also one of the greenest cemeteries in Paris, with over 5,300 trees, which makes it particularly beautiful in autumn.
When the leaves start to fall, the place transforms into a golden paradise.
For a selection of tour guides in Père Lachaise, follow this link!
Montparnasse Cemetery: A Refuge of Philosophers and Artists
In contrast to the vastness of Père Lachaise, the Montparnasse Cemetery offers a more intimate setting, though still significant in size at nearly 19 hectares.
Established in 1824, it serves as the final resting place for many intellectuals, writers, and artists.
Whenever I’m in the south of Paris during Autumn or Spring, I love slipping into this peaceful sanctuary, far from the city’s busy streets.
The gravestones here are simpler, reflecting the modesty of some of its residents, yet the names on them resonate throughout history.
I often stop by the graves of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, two figures whose works have influenced generations of thinkers.
Charles Baudelaire, whose poetry captures the essence of Paris, is also buried here.
Recently, it became the resting place of former French president Jacques Chirac, a reminder of the cemetery’s role in continuing to link past and present.
Montmartre Cemetery: The Quiet Soul of the Bohemian Heart
The Montmartre Cemetery feels hidden and intimate.
You will find it in the 18th arrondissement, not far from the vibrant streets of Montmartre.
Founded in 1825, it stretches over 10 hectares and contains around 20,000 tombs.
Whenever I visit, I’m struck by how peaceful it is compared to the bustling activity just outside its gates.
It’s a perfect escape after a long day exploring the lively Montmartre district.
Montmartre has always been the artistic soul of Paris, and this cemetery reflects that.
It’s the final resting place of greats like composer Hector Berlioz and writer Emile Zola.
And then there’s the tomb of Dalida, the beloved French-Italian singer, whose grave is often covered in fresh flowers from fans.
But it’s not just for the famous. I find the quiet, shaded paths perfect for a peaceful walk away from the crowds.
Passy Cemetery: A Hidden Gem with Views of the Eiffel Tower
If you’re looking for a smaller, more secluded cemetery, Passy Cemetery in the 16th arrondissement is one of my favourites.
It’s not as large as the others—just under two hectares—but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty.
Established in 1820, this cemetery is situated in one of the poshest areas of Paris, and it has a special charm of its own.
What makes Passy Cemetery unique, at least for me, is the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from several points within the grounds.
I’ve visited many times in the autumn, when the golden leaves contrast against the iron of the tower and the old stone tombs.
It’s a postcard-perfect scene that’s almost too good to be true.
And then there are the famous residents: Claude Debussy, Fernandel, and Édouard Manet.
Their graves are simple but elegant, much like the cemetery itself.
Lesser-Known Cemeteries: Charonne and Calvaire
Paris also has its share of smaller, more hidden cemeteries, perfect for those seeking to escape further from the crowds.
Take the Cimetière de Charonne, for example.
It’s one of the last remaining cemeteries to still border a church, the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne.
It’s tiny—just under half a hectare—but I’ve always found these small cemeteries to be charming.
They offer a more personal, intimate feel, a sharp contrast to the grandeur of places like Père Lachaise.
Then there’s Cimetière du Calvaire, located in Montmartre and established in 1688, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in Paris.
Access is a bit of a challenge, as it’s often closed to the public.
However, you can catch a glimpse of it from the dome of the Sacré-Cœur.
This cemetery is a quiet reminder of Paris’s long history, tucked away from the usual tourist paths.
The Catacombs of Paris: An Underground Mystery
Now, let’s delve into a place that’s both haunting and fascinating: the Catacombs of Paris.
While not technically a cemetery, this underground ossuary houses the remains of more than six million Parisians.
I remember my first visit—it felt like stepping into a hidden part of the city that very few get to see.
The bones are carefully arranged, forming walls of skulls and femurs that stretch on for kilometres beneath the city streets.
The Catacombs were created in the late 18th century, when the city’s graveyards, particularly the infamous Cemetery of the Innocents, became overcrowded and unsanitary.
The authorities decided to transfer the remains to the former quarries beneath Paris.
Walking through these tunnels is an eerie yet mesmerising experience.
It’s hard not to be awed by the sheer scale of the place and the stories it contains.
If you'd like to visit the catacombs, you can get your online ticket here.
Conclusion: More Than Just Tombstones
I hope this journey through Paris’s cemeteries has sparked your curiosity.
Visiting these places might seem strange at first, but trust me, they offer a unique glimpse into the city's soul.
They’re quiet, reflective, and full of history.
Whether you’re a lover of art and history or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, these cemeteries are more than just places of rest—they’re windows into Paris’s rich and layered past.
Have you visited one of these cemeteries? Which one is your favourite?
Let me know in the comments below!
There is also a lovely quaint pet cemetery beautifully situated along the Seine.