Explore the beautiful Père Lachaise Cemetery on this private 2.5-hour walking tour, as you wander through peaceful cobblestone paths and discover the stories of the many notable figures buried here. Meet your expert guide at the entrance and set off to explore the highlights of this expansive 110-acre site.

In the 18th century, overcrowding in central Paris cemeteries led to their closure, with remains transferred to the Paris catacombs. To address sanitation and space concerns, Napoleon Bonaparte established Père Lachaise Cemetery on a scenic hill that had once been home to a monastery and vineyard, named after Father la Chaise. Located in what was then an unfashionable part of the 20th arrondissement, the cemetery initially struggled to attract burials.

To encourage its popularity, the remains of several well-known French figures were relocated here, including the playwright Molière, the fable writer La Fontaine, the scientist Parmentier, and the legendary lovers Héloïse and Abelard. This strategy proved successful, and Père Lachaise quickly became a desirable final resting place, growing steadily over time.

Today, it remains an active cemetery with more than 70,000 graves. As you explore, you’ll encounter the resting places of many renowned individuals. Should you have specific sites in mind, your guide will be happy to tailor the visit. Among the notable figures buried here are Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, Édith Piaf, Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Balzac, Victor Noir, and Jim Morrison of The Doors.