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Paris: Pere Lachaise Cemetery Famous Graves and Ghosts Tour

The tour lasts 2 hours

Available in English

Description

Step into the largest cemetery in Paris and discover why this extraordinary hillside has fascinated the world for over two centuries.

In a small group of no more than 15, follow the cobbled avenues uphill through 44 hectares and more than 70,000 tombs, stopping at the graves that made Pere Lachaise one of the most visited places in the world.

Stand at Jim Morrison's tomb, the most visited grave in the entire cemetery. Find Oscar Wilde's modernist winged sphinx, Chopin's weeping muse, and Edith Piaf's family grave. Along the way your guide decodes the extraordinary architecture carved into the tombs, from Neo Gothic chapels and Egyptian obelisks to Art Nouveau ironwork and the masonic symbols hidden in plain sight.

Then follow the cemetery's darker thread. At the dolmen tomb of Allan Kardec, founder of Parisian Spiritism, hear why his grave is still the most flower covered in the cemetery. At the Mur des Federes, discover what happened to the last defenders of the Paris Commune in 1871. At the Columbarium, hear the chilling accounts of cold spots, failing cameras, and shadows reported here for decades.

This is an active cemetery where funerals take place. The tour is conducted quietly and with respect throughout.

Guide: Denise

PRO

Guiding since 2025

Traveler, history lover, and true crime binge watcher. I’ve always been curious about what’s behind the surface, whether it’s a famous landmark or a quiet street most people walk past. On my tours, I like to mix the must-see places with hidden gems and stories you won’t find in guidebooks. My goal is simple: help you see the city in a different way.

7 stops

2 hours

Meeting point:Boulevard de MénilmontantMeet outside the main entrance of Pere Lachaise Cemetery on Boulevard de Menilmontant, 75020 Paris. Look for your Side Routes guide standing at the gate holding a green sign that says Side Routes. Please arrive 5 minutes before the tour starts. Do not enter the cemetery without the guide.Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

Tomb of Jim MorrisonStand at the most visited grave in Paris and hear the story of the summer of 1971 and the pilgrims who still come today.

2

Outside visit

Oscar Wilde's GraveFind the modernist winged sphinx by Jacob Epstein and hear the scandal it caused when it was first unveiled.

3

Outside visit

Edith Piaf and Chopin GravesPay respects at Edith Piaf's family grave and discover why Chopin's heart is not actually buried in Paris.

7 stops

2 hours

Meeting point:Boulevard de MénilmontantMeet outside the main entrance of Pere Lachaise Cemetery on Boulevard de Menilmontant, 75020 Paris. Look for your Side Routes guide standing at the gate holding a green sign that says Side Routes. Please arrive 5 minutes before the tour starts. Do not enter the cemetery without the guide.Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

Tomb of Jim MorrisonStand at the most visited grave in Paris and hear the story of the summer of 1971 and the pilgrims who still come today.

2

Outside visit

Oscar Wilde's GraveFind the modernist winged sphinx by Jacob Epstein and hear the scandal it caused when it was first unveiled.

3

Outside visit

Edith Piaf and Chopin GravesPay respects at Edith Piaf's family grave and discover why Chopin's heart is not actually buried in Paris.

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 20 people.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 1 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.