Guided Tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery’s Famous Graves

Walk through Parisian tales of love, scandal, and history on a 1.5–2 hour guided tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Getting started

Meet your expert guide near the main entrance of Père Lachaise Cemetery, easily reached by public transport. After a brief introduction, your guide will lead your group through the cemetery’s winding paths, sharing essential tips and setting the tone for the experience.

What to expect

Established in 1804, Père Lachaise is Paris’s largest cemetery and a celebrated resting place for artists, writers, and cultural icons. Its tree-lined avenues and ornate tombs offer a unique lens into French history, romance, and tradition.

Features

• Oscar Wilde’s grave: Visit the striking tomb of the famed playwright, known for its lipstick-kissed surface and playful traditions.

• Jim Morrison’s grave: See the modest but much-visited resting place of The Doors’ legendary frontman, a site of musical pilgrimage.

• Edith Piaf’s grave: Pay respects to France’s beloved chanteuse, whose voice defined a generation.

• Chopin’s grave: Discover the final resting place of the renowned composer, a must-see for music lovers.

• Héloïse and Abélard: Hear the poignant story of these medieval lovers, whose shared tomb symbolizes eternal devotion.

• Victor Noir’s effigy: Participate in a quirky Parisian ritual said to bring luck in love and fertility.

• Parisian storytelling: Enjoy tales told in the traditional Parisian style, blending humor with history and local legend.

• Group experience: With up to 20 participants, the tour offers a interactive atmosphere.

• Flexible & family-friendly: The tour can be tailored for families with a PG version available on request.

Guided Tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery’s Famous Graves

Discover the historic Cimetière du Père-Lachaise on this guided walking tour that includes visits to iconic graves such as Jim Morrison's, Oscar Wilde's, Edith Piaf's, Chopin's, Colette's, and more. Explore Paris’s most legendary cemetery with an expert local guide in English or French, covering a 2-mile route at a relaxed pace suitable for families and curious explorers. The tour lasts approximately two hours, offering PG-friendly storytelling upon request. With group sizes limited to 20 people, you will experience captivating tales of love, scandal, and history told in classic Parisian style, witty, moving, and rich with tradition.

Explore Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

Your tour stops at the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise where guests can see one of the largest cemeteries in Paris, established in 1804. Spanning over 56 acres and featuring approximately 70,000 tombs, this cemetery is home to numerous landmarks including Jim Morrison's tomb from 1971, Oscar Wilde's grave dating back to 1912, and Chopin’s monument erected in 1850. Visitors spend around an hour exploring the graves of notable figures while learning about quirky local customs such as kissing Oscar Wilde’s tomb or rubbing Victor Noir’s statue for good luck. The cemetery is unique compared to other Parisian cemeteries due to its extensive collection of famous residents and rich history, making it a must-visit site for those interested in cultural landmarks.

Visit Jim Morrison's Tomb

At Jim Morrison's tomb, guests can see the grave of The Doors frontman who died in 1971. Located near the entrance of Père Lachaise Cemetery, this iconic site attracts thousands of visitors annually who leave tributes and graffiti on the walls surrounding the tomb. Visitors typically spend about half an hour at Jim Morrison's grave, learning about his life and legacy through captivating stories told by expert local guides in English or French. The tomb is unique compared to other graves within Père Lachaise due to its high level of tourist activity and cultural significance.

Discover Oscar Wilde’s Grave

Your tour takes you to Oscar Wilde's grave where guests can see the iconic resting place of the renowned Irish poet who died in 1900. Located near the front section of Père Lachaise Cemetery, this site is marked by a large marble tombstone inscribed with his famous quote “I put myself here for beauty.” Visitors typically spend about half an hour at Oscar Wilde’s grave, learning about his life and work through captivating stories told in English or French. The grave is unique compared to other graves within Père Lachaise due to its high level of tourist activity and cultural significance.

Explore Edith Piaf's Grave

Your tour takes you to Edith Piaf’s grave where guests can see the iconic resting place of the legendary French singer who died in 1963. Located near the front section of Père Lachaise Cemetery, this site is marked by a simple tombstone with her name and dates inscribed on it. Visitors typically spend about half an hour at Edith Piaf’s grave, learning about her life and legacy through captivating stories told in English or French. The grave is unique compared to other graves within Père Lachaise due to its high level of tourist activity and cultural significance.

Tour Highlights

• Explore iconic graves at Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
• 2-mile route with historic landmarks
• Expert local guides in English or French
• Quirky customs like kissing Oscar Wilde’s tomb
• Rubbing Victor Noir’s statue for good luck
• PG-friendly storytelling available on request
• Group sizes limited to 20 people
• Captivating tales of love, scandal, and history

Perfect for tourists, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts, this guided walking tour provides insight into Paris's most legendary cemetery through visits to famous graves. The two-hour format allows you to explore Jim Morrison’s tomb, Oscar Wilde’s grave, Edith Piaf’s resting place, and more, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the cultural landmarks while enjoying captivating stories told in classic Parisian style.