Short summary
Paris is home to some of the world’s most visited cemeteries, and many travelers come to find the famous graves in Paris that shaped art, music, and literature. This guide explains how to locate Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf, and shares practical tips for visiting Père Lachaise and Montparnasse. You will also learn how to navigate these cemeteries efficiently and what to expect during your visit.
What you’ll learn today
- Where to find the most famous graves in Paris at Père Lachaise and Montparnasse.
- Exact divisions and landmarks that help you locate Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.
- Tips for navigating both cemeteries with minimal backtracking.
- Practical details for planning your visit, including maps, opening hours, and respectful behavior.
Famous Graves in Paris at Père Lachaise and Montparnasse
Père Lachaise and Montparnasse are the two most iconic cemeteries for travelers seeking famous graves in Paris. Both are easy to reach with the metro, and each offers a quiet setting where you can explore the city’s cultural heritage at your own pace.
If you enjoy exploring Paris beyond the main monuments, consider pairing your cemetery visit with a neighborhood walk, such as the Free Marais Tour or the Paris Starts Here Tour.
Père Lachaise Cemetery: Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf
Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris, and it is famous for its winding paths and thousands of ornate tombs. The cemetery provides a free official map at the entrances, and updated versions are also available on the Mairie de Paris website (external source). Since paths can be confusing, note the division numbers before you start walking.
How to Find Jim Morrison’s Grave at Père Lachaise
Jim Morrison rests in Division 6, a small, tucked-away section that often draws crowds.
Tips for finding it:
- Enter through the Rue des Rondeaux entrance for the most direct route.
- Follow the main central path uphill, then turn right into Division 6.
- Look for security ropes and small signs; the grave is modest but well marked.
Because of high visitor traffic, access is usually straightforward once you reach the division.
How to Find Oscar Wilde’s Grave
Oscar Wilde’s tomb stands in Division 89, near the southeast corner of Père Lachaise. It is one of the easiest famous graves in Paris to spot due to its striking modern sculpture by Jacob Epstein.
Tips:
- Enter at Porte Gambetta (north entrance) for a shorter walk.
- The large glass barrier surrounding the tomb helps you identify it quickly.
- Visitors often leave quotes or flowers at the base, though touching the tomb is restricted.
How to Find Edith Piaf’s Grave
Edith Piaf lies in Division 97, close to the eastern edge of the cemetery. Her family grave is simple, so it is helpful to check the map before you go.
Tips to locate it:
- Enter at Boulevard de Ménilmontant, then follow signs toward Divisions 90–100.
- Her grave is near the long pathways along the perimeter wall.
- Look for the name “Gassion,” her family name, on the headstone.
Montparnasse Cemetery: A Quieter Alternative
Montparnasse Cemetery is smaller and easier to navigate than Père Lachaise. Many travelers appreciate its grid-style layout, which makes it simpler to locate famous graves in Paris without steep paths or long detours.
The cemetery is home to artists, philosophers, writers, filmmakers, and political figures from the nineteenth century to today.
Notable Graves to Visit in Montparnasse
Although your article highlights Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf in Père Lachaise, Montparnasse is still worth a visit for its cultural icons. Popular graves include:
- Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Division 20
- Serge Gainsbourg, Division 1
- Charles Baudelaire, Division 6
- Samuel Beckett, Division 13
Maps are posted at the entrances, and an updated plan is available from the Ville de Paris (external source).
Practical Tips for Visiting Both Cemeteries
Opening Hours
Opening times vary seasonally. Because schedules occasionally change, check the official Paris Cemeteries (Cimetières de Paris) page before your visit.
Navigation Tips
- Take a photo of the cemetery map at the entrance.
- Note division numbers before you start walking, since signage can be limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes; cobblestone paths are common.
Respectful Behavior
Both cemeteries are active burial sites. Keep voices low, avoid stepping on graves, and do not remove flowers or offerings.
Pairing With Neighborhood Walks
Père Lachaise is near Belleville and the eastern Marais, a perfect area to explore after a morning visit. If you are heading toward central Paris afterward, the Free Marais Tour is an excellent way to continue learning about the city.
FAQ: Famous Graves in Paris
Where are the most famous graves in Paris located?
Most visitors head to Père Lachaise and Montparnasse. Père Lachaise contains Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf, while Montparnasse features writers and philosophers like Sartre and Beauvoir.
Is Père Lachaise hard to navigate?
It can be, since the paths wind and signage varies. Taking a photo of the map and noting division numbers makes navigation much easier.
Do you need tickets to enter the cemeteries?
No, entry is free. Only special guided tours may require a fee, and these are optional.
