Paris on a Dime: Breathtaking Historic Cemeteries

Paris’s gorgeous, city-like cemeteries satisfy those curious, historical urges and take visitors back through the ages of multiple cultural and social revolutions. They also happen to be a free way to indulge in the rich history of the City of Lights. Just be sure to download some maps before you head out to explore. These mini-cities are extensive, vast and winding.

Pere-Lachaise

Pere-Lachaise is the father of all cemeteries, especially if you are a fan of the arts. Nestled a little to the east of the center of the city, the cemetery hosts the graves of Chopin, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Marcel Proust. It resembles a tiny city with towering monuments, street signs and winding avenues.

Montmartre

The famous bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre not only boasts the breathtaking Sacre Coeur cathedral but also an essential Paris cemetery. Opened in 1825 in a bustling center of Paris, the Montmartre cemetery is the resting place of Nijinsky, Adolphe Sax (the man who invented the saxophone), Degas and La Dame aux Camilias. The beautiful architecture and winding roads make for overpowering reflection.

Montparnasse

Known as “the cemetery of the south,” it boasts a much flatter, more open layout than either Pere-Lachaise or Montmartre. The most notable duo buried here is Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir in their shared burial plot. Take the time to search out the old families of the city buried here.

Montrouge

This stark cemetery is a refreshing counter to the overflowing, crowded elegance of the previous three cemeteries. Known as the “communist” cemetery, the intriguing sculpture work will give you a sense of the various eras of Paris’s cemeteries.

Paris City Catacombs

The grandfather of all of these cemeteries is the Paris catacombs, created in the 18th century. These tunnels wind directly underneath the city and hold the bones of millions of Parisians. While it costs a small entrance fee, the unforgettable experience of walking through the quiet, dark tunnels of bones won’t disappoint.