- Visit and explore Père Lachaise cemetery during your stay in Paris
- Exploring the area and neighborhood around Père Lachaise cemetery
- Getting to Père Lachaise cemetery from Paris airports
Visit and explore Père Lachaise cemetery during your stay in Paris
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Père Lachaise cemetery is one of the most emblematic and visited burial grounds in the world. Opened in 1804, it extends over nearly 44 hectares and contains around 69,000 tombs, with the capacity to host close to one million graves. From its creation, the cemetery was designed to welcome people of all faiths, including Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims, making it a unique place of remembrance and coexistence. Over the centuries, Père Lachaise has become a true open-air museum, blending funerary art, landscaped paths, and centuries of Parisian history.
The cemetery is famous for being the final resting place of numerous iconic figures from French and international culture. Visitors come from all over the world to pay tribute to artists, musicians, writers, philosophers, and thinkers such as Édith Piaf, Gilbert Bécaud, Pierre Bourdieu, and many others. Beyond individual graves, the site is rich in chapels, monuments, and sculptures that reflect different artistic movements, from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The peaceful avenues, lined with trees and ornate tombs, invite slow walks and quiet reflection.
Originally known as Mont-Louis, the land once belonged to the Jesuits and housed the residence of Father François de La Chaise, confessor to King Louis XIV, from whom the cemetery takes its name. A chapel was later built on the site of his former home to host religious ceremonies for all beliefs, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the cemetery. Today, Père Lachaise is officially classified as a historical monument and attracts more than two million visitors each year. To plan your visit efficiently, especially if you are arriving from abroad, consulting the best Paris airport shuttle service reviews can help ensure a smooth start to your stay.
Exploring the area and neighborhood around Père Lachaise cemetery
The neighborhood surrounding Père Lachaise cemetery offers a lively and authentic Parisian atmosphere, far from the classic tourist routes. This part of eastern Paris is known for its creative spirit, local cafés, small theaters, music venues, and colorful street art. Just outside the cemetery gates, you will find a mix of residential streets and cultural spots that reflect the everyday life of Parisians.
Several interesting attractions are located within walking distance, including concert halls such as La Maroquinerie and artistic murals scattered throughout the district. The area is also close to Belleville and Menilmontant, neighborhoods famous for their panoramic views, independent shops, and diverse food scene. From traditional French bistros to international cuisine, the surroundings of Père Lachaise offer many dining options before or after your visit.
For travelers staying nearby, hotels such as the Panam Hotel and the Nadaud Hotel provide convenient accommodation options, allowing easy access to the cemetery and the rest of Paris. Many visitors choose to organize their movements in advance using services like shuttle taxis to Paris hotels and train stations, which make exploring different neighborhoods more comfortable and efficient.
Getting to Père Lachaise cemetery from Paris airports
Père Lachaise cemetery is easily accessible from the main Paris airports, making it a convenient destination for international visitors. It is located approximately 30 km from Orly Airport and about 25 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Travelers arriving at CDG or Orly often need to choose between taxis, public transportation, or private transfer services depending on their priorities for comfort, cost, and travel time.
While taxis offer direct access, fares can fluctuate depending on traffic conditions and time of arrival. Public transportation using RER and metro lines is more economical but may be challenging with luggage or after a long flight. Feedback from travelers frequently highlights the contrast between the simplicity of direct taxi transfers and the complexity of navigating public transit with bags.
For a balanced solution, many visitors opt for a shuttle service from CDG or a pre-booked transfer from Orly. These services provide door-to-door transportation, fixed pricing, and a more relaxed journey. Choosing a stress-free airport transfer allows you to arrive at Père Lachaise cemetery calmly and ready to explore one of Paris’s most meaningful and historic sites.