Why You Should Try Visiting Cemeteries in Paris

I have something to confess: I love visiting the cemeteries in Paris. I enjoy going to the famous Cimetière du Père Lachaise and seeing the famous graves there, or even the lesser-known Montparnasse Cemetery, which is the nearest one to my place. And before you call me weird, I should point out that many others do it too. Locals and tourists alike visit Parisian cemeteries just for the fun of it, and I highly suggest you try it out for yourself. Not only are they beautiful green spaces, but they also provide a quiet oasis in the forever busy Paris that you won't find anywhere else, among many others.

They Show the History of Paris

I've always thought of cemeteries as a kind of museum, in a way. I'm sorry if that sounds weird or even insensitive, but hear me out! In a way that museum displays show history, so, too, do cemeteries. And Parisian cemeteries, in particular, are known to be the final resting place of numerous influential figures. In the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery alone, the likes of Frédéric Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison are all buried there. Going to their graves is just as—if not even more fascinating than learning about them at a museum.

They're Also Green Spaces

When I need some time under the Paris sunshine, I sometimes go to the city's famous cemeteries. I consider some of the best and most underrated parks in Paris, especially since many have forgotten that they are, in fact, green spaces themselves. You can deny the lush greenery that freshens up these beautiful graveyards, and come autumn, the way they turn to all orange, crimson, and marigold is as picture-perfect as can be! Think me weird if you want, but I find it more relaxing to stroll through these serene cemeteries than to have to contend with the big crowds in the popular parks.

They Offer an Escape from the Hectic City

Do you know why I particularly love visiting the cemeteries in Paris? They're often the most peaceful parts of town. Even the most popular ones, like Cimitière du Père-Lachaise, which is already in the 20th arrondissement, get crowded; the people know not to get too rowdy. We still have to respect the dead, after all. I'm sure they don't want their final resting place to be as noisy as Jardin des Tuileries on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Here, I can enjoy the fresh air, get some sunshine, and even do some graveyard sightseeing in peace.

They're Rarely Crowded

I'm about to sound pretty ironic, considering this post is all about why you should try visiting the cemeteries in Paris, but part of why I enjoy it myself is that these places rarely get too crowded. The most popular ones may get considerable foot traffic from time to time, but they're never so packed that you could barely walk in. Perhaps I have to thank people's fear and skepticism of doing such a thing that they consider weird or even downright morbid. Either way, Parisian cemeteries are some of the quietest places you can escape to within the city.

They're Perfect for Meditation

And with that peace comes meditation. Having lived in Paris for a while now, I feel it is my duty to admit that it's often stressful here. It's a beautiful city, don't get me wrong, and I love living here, but much like any other major metropolis, it has its fair share of hassles. One of the many things I do to keep sane is to visit a cemetery, usually the lesser-known ones, and meditate as I stroll through the necropolis. Seeing all the people that have gone before me reminds me that I'm simply one of many Parisians who have faced this daunting city, and that I'm lucky enough to still live and tell the tale!

They Allow Light Snacks Inside

I tell you: there's nothing quite like enjoying a warm, freshly-made crepe as I walk through a Parisian cemetery on a cool autumn afternoon. Fortunately, most cemeteries in Paris allow light snacks, particularly those that don't require you to sit down to eat. I've spent many autumn days strolling through Cimetière de Montmartre, which is the one closest to me as I live in the 18th arrondissement, chatting with friends between bites of crepes, croissants, sandwiches, and other hand-held treats. You can't exactly go on a picnic in a Parisian cemetery, but this is the next best thing.

They're Beautiful in Every Season

I know I've mostly mentioned how beautiful Paris's cemeteries are in autumn, but they stay picturesque no matter the season. Spring brings about the blossoms, summer packs on the sunshine, and the winter coats of snow paint a breathtaking, albeit melancholic picture. I just prefer to visit during autumn more often because I love seeing the contrast of the fall foliage's tangerine twilight with the concrete grayness of the gravestones. That and I find it too hot to go during summer and too cold in winter. Either way, no matter what time of the year you visit a cemetery in Paris, you're sure to see a beautiful sight.

They Show a Different Side to Paris

You've likely already gathered that my main point on visiting cemeteries in Paris is that they show a different side to this world-famous metropolis. The city is always so romanticized as this historic utopia of old-school romance, classic architecture, high fashion, groundbreaking art, and haute cuisine. Paris is all of that and more, but it's also the home of many amazing people who have gone before us. The cemeteries also constantly remind me that there are peaceful pockets in Paris beyond the usual crowded hotspots that are worth discovering again and again.



Cemeteries might not be the landmark du jour for anybody, but they’re still pretty fascinating to visit. Especially the beautiful cemeteries in Paris, which combine cinematic and somberness in an utterly romantic way.