Visiting the Historical Cemeteries in Paris

There are few places in the world as rich with history as Paris. The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and locations in all of Europe, and its cemeteries are no exception. Some of the most famous people in the world are buried in Parisian cemeteries, and a visit to these burial sites is a must for any history lover.

 

1. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most fascinating and widely-visited cemeteries in all of Paris, France. Located on the Boulevard de Ménilmontant in the 20th arrondissement, it is known for its winding paths, sprawling lawns, and magnificent mausoleums. With over two million visitors each year, it is also one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.

At more than 100 acres in size, Père Lachaise is truly massive. It includes a variety of interesting features, such as over 50 statues and monuments, crypts dating back centuries ago, and carved epitaphs written by famous authors like Balzac and Oscar Wilde. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring place to reflect on life or simply want to appreciate the beautiful architecture and design of this famous landmark, Père Lachaise Cemetery is a must-see destination in Paris!

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery

 

2. Montmartre Cemetery

Located on the highest point in Paris, the Montmartre Cemetery is one of the city’s most well-known and beautiful burial grounds. With its winding paths, ornate memorials, and verdant landscaping, this cemetery provides a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of nearby downtown Paris. The site has been used as a burial ground since the 18th century, and it is now home to more than 300,000 graves.

Many notable figures from French history are buried here, including writers Emile Zola and Alexandre Dumas and composers Hector Berlioz and Erik Satie. In addition to its rich cultural legacy, Montmartre Cemetery is also renowned for its stunning vistas of the city below. Whether you are visiting Paris or just exploring its many hidden gems, this beautiful cemetery should certainly be at the top of your list. So if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to reflect or an awe-inspiring lookout point, be sure to visit Montmartre Cemetery. You won’t be disappointed!

Address: 20 Av. Rachel, 75018 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Montmartre Cemetery
Montmartre Cemetery

 

3. Passy Cemetery

Passy Cemetery, also known as Passy Columbarium and Cimitière de Passy, is a beautifully landscaped cemetery located in central Paris. Founded in 1820, this peaceful outdoor space has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The main attraction of the cemetery is its stunning array of intricate gravestones and mausoleums.

These unique sculptures are carved from a variety of materials, ranging from marble and granite to pewter and glass. In addition to these beautiful monuments, the cemetery is also home to an impressive range of flora, including delicate roses and fragrant wisteria vines. Overall, Passy Cemetery showcases the remarkable artistic sensibility of the French people and provides a tranquil spot for reflection in the heart of bustling Paris.

Address: 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing, 75016 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Passy Cemetery
Passy Cemetery

 

4. Bagneux Cemetery

Bagneux Cemetery is located in Paris, France, and has a long history dating back to the 17th century. Originally laid out as a public burial ground, the cemetery was renamed Bagneux in honor of the Latinists who made important contributions to the field of philology in the city. Today, Bagneux remains one of the most popular cemeteries in all of Paris, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beautiful grounds and historic monuments.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place of reflection or simply want to learn more about French history and culture, Bagneux Cemetery is an enlightening destination that should not be missed. So if you’re ever in Paris, be sure to make a trip out to this spectacular site and experience its beauty firsthand. You won’t regret it!

Address: 45 Av. Marx Dormoy, 92220 Bagneux, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Bagneux Cemetery
Bagneux Cemetery

 

5. Thiais Cemetery

Situated on the outskirts of Paris, Thiais Cemetery is one of the largest burial grounds in France. Spread over 732 acres of land, this historic site is home to more than 2 million graves and tombstones. Despite its large size, however, Thiais Cemetery retains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. This is due in part to the many beautiful trees that can be found throughout the grounds, offering shade and cooling breezes on warm summer days.

In addition, numerous green spaces wind their way through the cemetery, creating a lush and verdant landscape that is truly picturesque. Whether you are visiting Thiais Cemetery to pay your respects to loved ones or simply as a tourist interested in discovering some of France’s rich cultural heritage, it is well worth a visit.

Address: 261 Route de Fontainebleau, 94320 Thiais, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Thiais Cemetery
Thiais Cemetery

 

6. Ivry-Sur-Seine Cemetery

Located on the outskirts of Paris, Ivry-Sur-Seine Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and historic burial grounds in all of France. First founded in the 12th century, this expansive cemetery spans a vast landscape and features intricately carved tombs and mausoleums from a variety of eras. The centerpiece of the cemetery is undoubtedly its magnificent 19th-century chapel, which was built in an elaborate Gothic Revival style.

But aside from its architectural wonders, Ivry-Sur-Seine Cemetery is also known for its rich history and remarkable scenic beauty, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the City of Lights. Whether you are seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris or simply want to pay your respects to those who came before you, this ancient burial ground is well worth a visit. So why not go explore it today? You won’t be disappointed!

Address: R958+RW, 44 Av. de Verdun, 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine, France

Ivry-Sur-Seine Cemetery
Ivry-Sur-Seine Cemetery

 

7. Villejuif Cemetery

Villejuif Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in all of Paris, France. Located just a short distance from the city center, this magnificent burial ground is known for its beautiful statues and stately tombs. With more than 150 years of history, it has seen many notable figures pass away over the years. Some of these include painter Alphonse Berget, historian Pius Barroux, and architect Gustave Spifame.

Today, Villejuif Cemetery still serves as a solemn final resting place for thousands of Francophone Parisians. Despite its popularity among tourists and locals alike, however, this cemetery remains largely overlooked by media outlets around the world. Whether you are an avid traveler or an admirer of history and architecture, a trip to Villejuif Cemetery is sure to be unforgettable. So next time you find yourself in Paris, be sure to pay it a visit and experience one of the city’s true treasures.

Address: 19 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Villejuif Cemetery
Villejuif Cemetery

 

8. Bobigny Cemetery

Bobigny Cemetery, located just outside of Paris in France, is one of the largest cemeteries in the world. With over 2 million graves spread out across its 320 acres, it is not only a popular final resting place for many historic figures and influential individuals, but also a major tourist destination. Despite its size, Bobigny Cemetery still maintains a sense of beauty and elegance, with elegant monuments and carefully tended gardens.

And with so many elaborate mausoleums and underground burial chambers spread throughout the grounds, there is something to intrigue visitors from all walks of life. Whether you are a history buff looking to explore the final resting place of famous names from the past or simply looking for an intriguing day trip from Paris, Bobigny Cemetery is sure to captivate and enchant you.

Address: 180 Chem. des Vignes, 93000 Bobigny, France

Bobigny Cemetery
Bobigny Cemetery

 

9. Pantin Cemetery

Pantin Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Paris, France. Located in the northeastern part of the city, this sprawling complex was first opened in 1850 and is now home to over a thousand elaborate headstones, graves, and mausoleums. Despite its popularity among tourists, Pantin Cemetery is more than just an attraction—it is also an important final resting place for generations of French citizens.

Perhaps most notably, this cemetery houses the remains of Eugene Varlin, a prominent socialist revolutionary who played an instrumental role in the Paris Commune uprising in 1871. With its rich history and fascinating architecture, Pantin Cemetery is truly a marvel of French culture and a must-see destination for any traveler to Paris.

Address: 164 Av. Jean Jaurès, 93500 Pantin, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Pantin Cemetery
Pantin Cemetery

 

10. Aubervilliers Cemetery

Aubervilliers Cemetery is one of the largest and most well-known cemeteries in Paris, France. Located in perpetual twilight just to the northeast of the city, this picturesque burial ground is home to a remarkable range of monuments ranging from simple gravestones to elaborate mausoleums. With thousands of graves dating back hundreds of years, Aubervilliers Cemetery has been recognized as an important historic site, attracting tourists and history buffs alike.

Despite its long history, however, the cemetery remains a peaceful space where locals can take time to reflect on the lives of loved ones and breathe in the serene atmosphere. Whether you’re a native Parisian or simply visiting for the day, Aubervilliers Cemetery is a must-see destination for anyone with an interest in French culture and history.

Address: Av. du Cimetière, 93300 Aubervilliers, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Aubervilliers Cemetery
Aubervilliers Cemetery

 

In conclusion

Paris is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and locations in all of Europe, and its cemeteries are no exception. From the world-famous Bobigny Cemetery to the lesser-known but equally intriguing Aubervilliers Cemetery, there is a burial ground to suit every interest and curiosity.

So whether you’re a history buff looking to explore the final resting place of famous names from the past or simply looking for an intriguing day trip from Paris, be sure to add a visit to one of these historical cemeteries to your itinerary.

 


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