Exploring Paris: The Père Lachaise Cemetery

by - October 21, 2015


When I was a child, I felt very uncomfortable around cemeteries and I was afraid that the dead would come and chase me because I disturbed their sleep. I know, I have probably watched too many films! Today, I can appreciate better the beauty of these places. I like cemeteries that are picturesque, full of greenery, and old - I enjoyed visiting the churchyards of Edinburgh a few months ago, fascinated as I was by the wonderfully carved tombstones.
The Père Lachaise is the biggest cemetery of Paris, and you probably know it because a lot of famous people - composers, musicians, authors, actors, and so on - were buried there. You can find them all by looking at a map at the entrance of the cemetery, because if you try to find them as you go along, you'll probably get lost as I did when I went there!
The place is huge, and you just can't see everything in one go - except if you spend the whole day there I guess. There are many levels and many small alleys: choose a path and see where it leads you! No matter which way you go, you'll find old 19th-century tombstones and more recent ones, stone and marble, flowers, beautiful statues. Some stones are real works of art! My favourite ones are the mock Greek temples, because how cool would it be to have a freaking temple as your resting place? 
There are some guides that ask you if you want a tour of the cemetery, most of them are not officials hired by the city of Paris but just people who really know the place and can show you the most famous tombs along with anecdotes. I haven't done a guided tour so I can't tell you what it's worth, but I guess it can be interesting and can do no harm even though the guides are not officially registered.

The Père Lachaise is not what people come to Paris to see first, but take half a day of your trip to go there and discover something different, far from the bustle of the busy areas of the city!

PS: these photos were taken in late August, that is why I was walking around in a sleeveless top and without tights, don't worry I'm not just casually going outside in summer attire under our mid-October weather! :P

I'd love to know if you too like to visit cemeteries, please tell me I'm not the only weirdo who finds it pleasant to wander around these quiet places! :D

Lots of love,
Julia x

You May Also Like

17 commentaires

  1. I like cemeteries too! These photos are so beautiful! It really captures the spirit and the quiet!
    Much love,
    Mona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to know I'm not the only one :D Thanks so much Mona! xx

      Delete
  2. lovely photos !!
    please follow my blog : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'll be sure to check out your blog ;) xx

      Delete
  3. I am still scared!! Good u dared!
    Chichistashan.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know these places can be scary still! xx

      Delete
  4. I still feel uncomfortable around cemeteries, I don't know why but I always get shimmers! These cemeteries are definitely picturestique!

    www.elabellaworld.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can totally understand, I still find some cemeteries quite creepy too! But this one is very peaceful, and there are other people visiting too so you don't feel trapped or anything :) xx

      Delete
  5. This place looks so lovely and peaceful! Lovely photos and I really like your outfit :)

    Sarah | What Sarah Writes

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm always a little bit nervous around cemeteries, which is kinda silly of me really! It definitely looks like a lot of time has been given to this cemetery and you got some lovely pictures : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not silly at all! When you think about it is is quite scary to be around dead people everywhere haha. But these stones are works of art really! Thanks for reading Georgia :) xx

      Delete
  7. The cemeteries in our country look completely different from yours. It's my first time to see a different of Paris here on my blog. Nice post :)

    Have a nice day!

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Shaira! I guess only old cemeteries are like that in France too. I'm glad you enjoyed this post! xx

      Delete
  8. this cemetery is fascinating ! nothing to say and it is huge! i visited as you in august but it was a grey day and it felt like autumn with all those trees with falling leaves. so surreal! definitely a stop to do in paris.

    xx from Brighton
    Cate ღ kate/idoscope

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must have looked so nice with the autumnal atmosphere! I agree, it is definitely something to do that not many people think about! xx

      Delete
  9. Seems like the "Guyleil" was here this day!

    ReplyDelete

Disqus comment count