Rituals of Pere Lachaise
The cemetery of Pere Lachaise is iconic. Visitors come from around the world to wander the 200 year old paved alleys and roads, getting lost in space and time. The cemetery is also very important to Parisians. A site of veneration to generations gone by, it is a peaceful place to walk, and enjoy nature. Over the many years I have lived in Paris, Pere Lachaise has been a favourite haunt of mine.
My walk takes in a number of well-known graves including Jim Morrison, Baron Haussmann and Chopin, as well as a number of more unusual tombs. We will talk about funerary motifs and decorations, French history and the rituals associated with some of the more famous sepulchres like those of Oscar Wilde, Abelard and Heloise and Victor Noir.
This walk will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
“A visit to Père Lachaise in Paris adds a year to one's life”
J.G Ballard
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of shoes should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as the ground is uneven and there are lots of tree roots ready to trip up the unwary.
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Do you do this tour only on Sunday?
Sunday morning is my favourite time to come walking in the cemetery as it is at its most peaceful and there are fewer tourist groups. If you want to plan the visit another day of the week, do let me know and we can arrange it.
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Can you help me find a specific grave?
I would be happy to help. If the grave is of a celebrity, I can show you where it is located after the walk ends (if it’s not already on the walk).
If the grave you are looking for is not of a famous person, please email me the details and I will see what I can find out.
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Is the cemetery scary or maudlin?
Not at all. This garden-cemetery it is full of natural life and animals. As a site of remembrance, the atmosphere is peaceful and respectful.
But it can feel very atmospheric on overcast wintery days, and you might feel a frisson when you suddenly realise you are quite alone amongst the tombs.
