Paris: Famous Graves of Pere Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour

Discover the Famous Graves of Père Lachaise Cemetery on a 2-hour guided tour in Paris that costs just $18 per person. Starting at the Alexandre Dumas metro exit, this tour takes you through one of the world’s most visited cemeteries, renowned for its historic significance and scenic beauty. The tour highlights the graves of legendary figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Chopin. With an affordable price and expert guides, it’s a compelling choice for those interested in Parisian culture, music, and literature.

While the tour involves a fair amount of walking on uneven paths, it offers a rich experience packed with stories about the famous and eccentric buried here. It’s especially suited for history buffs, art lovers, and fans of famous personalities. The 2-hour format allows for a comprehensive visit without feeling rushed, though participants should wear comfortable shoes and be aware that wheelchair and stroller access are not available.

Key Points

• Price: Just $18 per person for a 2-hour guided walk
• Starting Point: Alexandre Dumas metro stop on Line 2
• Highlights: Graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, and Molière
• Guide: Knowledgeable, engaging, with a passion for history and storytelling
• Physical Requirements: Moderate walking on uneven paths; not suitable for strollers or wheelchair users
• Flexibility: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting at Alexandre Dumas Metro Stop for Easy Access

The tour begins at the exit of the Metro stop Alexandre Dumas on Line 2. The guide will wait here holding a sign, making it simple to locate. No transportation is included, but the central location makes it easy to reach on foot or via public transit. The meeting point is the starting line for exploring the labyrinth of tombs, trees, and winding pathways inside Père Lachaise Cemetery.

This convenient location helps keep the tour streamlined and stress-free, especially for those familiar with Paris’s Metro system. The group size typically remains manageable, ensuring plenty of interaction with the guide and time to ask questions.

Exploring the Graves of Famous Artists and Writers

The core of this tour is visiting the final resting places of some of the most recognized figures in art, music, and literature. The tombs of Oscar Wilde are particularly striking, covered with bright red lipstick kisses from admirers. Near Wilde’s grave, you’ll find Jim Morrison’s resting place, which is frequently covered in graffiti from fans.

The guide points out Edith Piaf’s grave, allowing visitors to appreciate her lasting influence on French music. The tomb of Chopin evokes the feeling of hearing his famous funeral march, adding an emotional layer to the experience. The final resting place of Molière, the French playwright, is also part of this historical journey, with a story about his death that reflects the eccentricities of Parisian culture.

Participants will also see the graves of Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, among others, adding depth to the cultural tapestry of this cemetery. Every site offers a blend of history, artistry, and eccentricity, making the walk both informative and visually captivating.

The Unique Atmosphere of Père Lachaise Cemetery

This historic cemetery combines scenic beauty with sculptural artistry, providing a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. Towering trees and winding pathways create a serene setting, perfect for a pleasant afternoon walk. The scattered sculptures and elaborate tombstones showcase a variety of styles, from classic sculptures to eccentric memorials.

The scenic environment enhances the storytelling aspect of the tour, with guides describing not only the famous graves but also lesser-known stories behind the monuments. The shady pathways and quiet corners foster a sense of contemplation, making the experience feel more like a stroll through history and art than a typical sightseeing walk.

The Guide’s Style and Knowledge

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling ability. Guides like Deepal, Victoire, and Carole are noted for engaging narratives and passion for the subject matter. They share interesting stories, fun facts, and personal insights about both the famous personalities and the history of the cemetery.

Multiple reviews mention how guides bring the stories to life, making the famous graves more meaningful and memorable. The English-speaking guides are especially appreciated for clarity and presentation, with many reviews highlighting their hospitality, sense of humor, and ability to answer questions thoroughly.

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Physical Pacing and Walkability

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, often on uneven, labyrinth-like pathways. Reviewers indicate that a comfortable pair of shoes is a necessity, especially since some paths are not smooth. The 2-hour duration is generally well-paced, but guests with mobility issues should be aware that strollers and wheelchairs are not accommodated.

While the walk offers a thorough exploration of Père Lachaise, it is best suited for those who can manage moderate physical activity. The pace tends to be lively, with many stops for stories and photographs, so participants should prepare for a bit of a workout.

The Experience of Visiting Jim Morrison’s Grave

One of the most visited sites within Père Lachaise is Jim Morrison’s grave. It is covered with graffiti and memorabilia from fans, making it a noteworthy stop. Visitors often want to pay homage or simply see the site where one of rock’s most iconic figures is buried.

The graffiti and decorations around Morrison’s grave add a vibrant, rebellious energy to the cemetery, contrasting with the serenity of the surroundings. The guide explains the history behind Morrison’s fame and the fan culture that continues to gather here.

Additional Highlights: Molière and Edith Piaf

Apart from the celebrity graves, the tour includes a visit to Molière’s grave, where the story about his death onstage adds a humorous and dramatic touch. The story of Piaf is equally compelling, with her impact on French music highlighted by the guide.

These lesser-known anecdotes enrich the experience, offering a fuller picture of Parisian cultural history. The combination of famous personalities and stories about their lives creates a dynamic tour that goes beyond a simple visit to graves.

Practicalities: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

This guided tour is easy to reserve online, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment is not required upfront, allowing for flexibility in planning. The tour duration is fixed at 2 hours, and live guides provide commentary in English.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes for the walk, and should note that strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted. The cemetery may close in bad weather, but in such cases, free rescheduling or full refunds are available, ensuring a risk-free booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This guided walk is ideal for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and those interested in famous personalities. It offers a rich narrative backed by expert guides who make the stories engaging. The affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.

However, visitors should be prepared for a fair amount of walking and uneven terrain. It is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or strollers, but for anyone able to manage moderate walking, this tour provides a fascinating, beautifully narrated experience.

Père Lachaise Cemetery: A Final Word on the Tour Experience

This 2-hour guided tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery offers more than just a walk among graves; it’s a journey through the lives of Paris’s most celebrated figures. The knowledgeable guides and stories they share make each tomb feel alive with history and personality.

The scenic setting combined with captivating anecdotes makes it an enjoyable way to spend a pleasant afternoon in Paris. The affordable price and positive reviews reflect a highly recommended experience, especially for those who want to learn about the city’s cultural icons with ease and insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and some uneven paths, so children should be able to manage 2 hours of walking. Strollers are not permitted, and the content is best suited for older children or teenagers interested in history or famous personalities.

Are there any accessibility options?
Unfortunately, wheelchair users and guests requiring special assistance are not accommodated due to the cemetery’s pathways and terrain.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended since the tour involves walking on uneven paths.

Can I visit the graves of Oscar Wilde and Chopin after the tour?
While the tour does not include these graves, they are easy to find once inside the cemetery, which can be visited at your own pace.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
This guided tour is conducted in English; other language options are not specified in the provided information.

What happens if the cemetery closes due to weather?
If the cemetery closes in bad weather, clients are offered a free reschedule or full refund, ensuring flexibility in your plans.

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