Père Lachaise Cemetery Tours by Bonbon Tours - Paris

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tours by Bonbon Tours

Pariseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking over variable terrain gently but continuously for about two hours.

Overview

Step into the shadows and stories of Père Lachaise Cemetery with Bonbon Tours’ two-hour journey through celebrity graves, ghost tales, and lasting symbols of loyalty. Discover Paris’s most iconic cemetery from a fresh perspective.

Details

Père Lachaise Cemetery, located in Paris’s 20th arrondissement, is more than just a resting place; it’s a sprawling outdoor gallery of history, art, and mystery. Bonbon Tours invites visitors to spend two hours walking through the winding, tree-lined paths of this world-famous necropolis. Their guided journey uncovers stories rarely found in guidebooks—tales of celebrity burials, ghostly legends, and historical secrets tucked between ornate mausoleums and weathered gravestones. This isn’t your typical cemetery tour; it’s an immersive, nuanced look at a cultural landmark where history meets human emotion.

What sets Bonbon Tours apart is their expert guides’ storytelling flair, blending facts with evocative narrative. From the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to lesser-known figures, every stop is rich with evocative history and unexpected details. Visitors also encounter the symbolic dog sculptures throughout the cemetery, reflecting themes of loyalty and mourning often missed by casual visitors. Whether you’re a historian or simply curious about the narratives etched into stone, this tour offers a unique window into Parisian heritage and the human stories that persist beyond the grave.

The cemetery’s landscape itself is captivating: aged cobblestones, towering cypress trees, and intricate ironwork create a hauntingly beautiful environment that complements the stories told. Established in 1804, Père Lachaise was Paris’s first garden cemetery and remains the largest in the city, covering over 110 acres. It’s a quiet sanctuary amid the urban bustle, making this tour a striking way to encounter the intersection of nature, art, and memory.

Bonbon Tours’ Père Lachaise experience stands out as a destination for those eager to engage thoughtfully with Paris’s cultural history through an unconventional outdoor encounter. This walk balances adventure and reflection, providing a deeply memorable way to absorb the city’s layered past under the canopy of century-old trees and wrought-iron gates.

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

The tour covers uneven paths and cobblestone; sturdy shoes help keep you steady.

Bring a Light Jacket

The cemetery’s shaded areas can be cool even in warmer months, so layered clothing is advisable.

Mind Quiet Respect

Remember this is an active cemetery; keep noise and behavior respectful throughout the tour.

Limited Accessibility

Some areas have stairs and narrow paths; check with the operator if mobility is a concern.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The small plaques honoring war heroes hidden behind larger monuments
  • The quiet corner with the dog sculptures symbolizing loyalty

Wildlife

  • Common urban birds such as pigeons and magpies
  • Occasional sightings of squirrels navigating the trees

History

Founded in 1804 as Paris’s first garden cemetery, Père Lachaise was designed as a revolutionary burial ground blending nature and urban design.

Conservation

Ongoing efforts help maintain the cemetery’s historic monuments and natural greenery, balancing preservation with visitor impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
early morning
late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Above the entrance gates looking into the cemetery
  • Near Oscar Wilde’s grave with its iconic angel sculpture
  • From pathways framed by tall cypress trees casting shadows

What to Photograph

ornate tombstones and mausoleums
statues symbolizing grief and loyalty
seasonal tree foliage and quiet pathways

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for safely navigating uneven cemetery paths.

Layered clothing

Essential

Provides comfort against variable spring temperatures.

spring specific

Light rain jacket

Useful for unpredictable spring showers.

spring specific

Water bottle

Essential

Keep hydrated during warmer weather.

summer specific

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