Exploring Pere Lachaise Cemetery: A Semi-Private Guided Walking Tour in Paris
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants with moderate physical fitness able to walk on uneven terrain for the duration
Overview
Discover the fascinating stories, art, and history of Paris’s iconic Père Lachaise Cemetery on this intimate 2.5-hour guided walking tour. Explore the resting places of legends like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf, far from the usual tourist crowds.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private (ENGLISH)
2.5 hrs | Molière's Tomb to Jim Morrison's Grave | Most unexpected sites!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Explore the enchanting Père Lachaise Cemetery on a captivating 2.5-hour semi-private tour, limited to just 12 guests. Discover the resting places of legends like Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde, while delving into the rich history and artistry of this unique Parisian landmark, far from the typical tourist path.
Book way in advance - we sell out
Rates
- Adult: - €49
- Youth: - €49 (Ages 10 - 17)
- Child: - €49 (9 and under)
Duration
2.5 hours
Meeting Point
Meet your guide outside Pere Lachaise Cemetery to the right of the main entrance at Boulevard Menilmontant corner with Rue de la Roquette.
About
- Well off the beaten path, Paris’s most beautiful and unexpected site, the 19th century Père Lachaise Cemetery, is a surprise not to be missed.
- Take this 2.5 hour semi-private tour, joining no more than 12 guests on a visit to this often overlooked landmark in Eastern Paris.
- This tour is in English.
Includes
- Semi-Private Walking Tour
- ""Semi-Private"" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 12 Guests Maximum
- Professional Tour Guide
- Duration 2.5 Hours
- Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Excludes
- Tour price does NOT include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour does NOT include gratuities (OPTIONAL)
- This tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Full Tour Description
Well off the beaten path, Paris’s most beautiful and unexpected site, the 19th century Père Lachaise Cemetery, is a surprise not to be missed . Take this 2.5 hour semi-private walking tour, joining no more than 12 guests on a visit to this often overlooked landmark in Eastern Paris.
It’s the resting place of thousands of Parisians, including many famous names. Iconic resident, Oscar Wilde, once wrote, “Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace.” And peace is what we’ll discover at this calm, yet utterly captivating cemetery. Your guide will share stories about the most famous graves, including those of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, and Marcel Marceau and memorials to the Holocaust and various wars. We’ll discuss the little-known popular uprising, the Paris Commune, which occurred within the cemetery’s walls.
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery has uneven paths and stairs, so sturdy shoes help you enjoy the walk without discomfort.
Arrive Early
Arrive at least 10 minutes before start to meet your guide at the designated entrance point.
Dress for the Weather
Tours run rain or shine; bring a rain jacket or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Limit Bags
Avoid bringing large bags as the tour involves walking through narrow and uneven pathways.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common city birds like Eurasian magpies and blackbirds.
- Occasional sightings of red squirrels in the treed areas.
History
Père Lachaise Cemetery was established in 1804 as Paris's first garden cemetery and became a burial site for many notable cultural figures over the centuries.
Conservation
The cemetery is maintained with respect to Paris’s urban green space policies, emphasizing preservation of historic monuments and natural beauty.
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Adventure Hotspots in Paris
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating uneven, sometimes steep pathways comfortably.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Protect yourself from rain or sun during the outdoor tour.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated on warm days while exploring large outdoor spaces.
summer specific
Portable phone charger
Keep your phone charged for meeting communications and photo opportunities.