Père Lachaise Cemetery Walking Tour

Spread across 44 hectares, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is really a museum outdoors. Since the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people like Honoré de Balzac, Sarah Bernhardt, Colette, and more, over 3 million people visit the cemetery each year. On this tour, you will have a local Parisian guide to tell you all about the many star-crossed lovers that are buried here and the history of the cemetery itself. With sites like the Tomb of Héloïse and Abélard, Oscar Wilde’s tomb, and Victor Noir’s effigy, you are bound to find yourself immersed in the idea of love and its many complexities at the end of the tour.

In the City of Love, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is a must-visit. In addition to hearing details of the love stories of many famous people that are only privy to the locals there, the tour will also help you understand why the French don’t consider topics of death and sex taboo. In Parisian style, you will get to see how each gravesite is marked uniquely; be it the weeping willows by Alfred de Musset’s grave, the lipstick marks on Oscar Wilde’s tomb or the madeleines on Marcel Proust’s tomb placed there by the writer’s fans.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Walking Tour

Discover Père Lachaise Cemetery on this guided walking tour that includes a visit to the Tomb of Héloïse and Abélard, Colette’s gravesite, Victor Noir’s effigy, Oscar Wilde’s tomb, and much more. This 2-mile journey takes approximately two hours and covers some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, offering insights into French culture and history through your local guide. The tour is conducted in English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of international visitors. Père Lachaise Cemetery, established in 1804, spans over 35 hectares (86 acres), making it one of the largest cemeteries in Paris and the world. With more than 70,000 tombs and monuments, this necropolis is a unique blend of history, art, and culture that sets it apart from other burial sites around the globe.

Explore Héloïse and Abélard's Tomb

Your tour stops at the tomb of Héloïse and Abélard where guests can learn about their tragic love story dating back to 12th century France. This site, located in a secluded corner of Père Lachaise Cemetery, is marked by an intricate stone monument built in 1817 that commemorates their enduring romance. Visitors often spend around ten minutes here due to the rich historical context and romantic significance of this location. The tomb stands as one of the oldest monuments within the cemetery, reflecting its importance not only as a burial site but also as a place of cultural heritage and literary inspiration.

Visit Colette’s Gravesite

At Colette's gravesite, guests can delve into the life of this influential French writer whose tomb is marked with an elegant statue carved in 1954. This site, situated near other notable literary figures within Père Lachaise Cemetery, offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural scene of early 20th century Paris. Visitors typically spend about five minutes here learning about Colette's contributions to French literature and her enduring legacy among writers and readers alike. The gravesite is unique for its artistic representation and the personal touch it adds to understanding Colette’s life beyond her written works.

Interact with Victor Noir’s Effigy

Your tour leads you to Victor Noir's effigy, a bronze statue that has become a symbol of fertility in Parisian culture. This striking monument was erected in 1890 and is situated near the entrance of Père Lachaise Cemetery. Visitors often spend around ten minutes here as they learn about the political activist and journalist who died young but left behind a legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire people today. The effigy stands out for its intricate details and historical importance, making it one of the most visited sites in the cemetery.

Admire Oscar Wilde’s Tomb

At Oscar Wilde's tomb, guests can appreciate the elaborate decoration and symbolism that reflect his life as a celebrated playwright and poet. This site, located near other notable literary figures within Père Lachaise Cemetery, is marked by intricate carvings added in 1912 after the original tomb was desecrated. Visitors typically spend about fifteen minutes here learning about Wilde's contributions to literature and his impact on cultural movements of the late 19th century. The tomb's unique design and historical significance set it apart from other memorials, making it a must-see for literature enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

• Spend time at Père Lachaise Cemetery learning about iconic figures
• Explore approximately 2 miles of walking route with local guide
• Tour conducted in English, German, Spanish, Italian and French languages
• Interact with Victor Noir’s effigy known to increase fertility
• Visit Oscar Wilde’s tomb receiving large footfall each day
• See Héloïse and Abélard's tomb dating back to 12th century
• Experience Colette’s gravesite marked by an elegant statue from 1954
• Enjoy access to other notable literary figures' memorials throughout the cemetery

Perfect for history buffs, literature lovers, and culture enthusiasts, this guided walking tour provides a deep dive into Paris's rich cultural heritage through visits to iconic landmarks. The two-hour format allows you to explore the Tomb of Héloïse and Abélard, Colette’s gravesite, Victor Noir’s effigy, Oscar Wilde’s tomb, and much more, giving you an unparalleled insight into the city's historical and artistic legacy.