Pere Lachaise Cemetery Famous People
Pere Lachaise Cemetery Famous People: Discover the Legends Buried Here, When it comes to iconic burial sites, Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris stands as a monumental symbol of history, art, and eternal legacy.
Known not only for its serene architecture and Gothic gravestones but also as the final resting place of some of the most famous people in the world, Père Lachaise attracts millions of visitors annually. In this post, we’ll explore the famous personalities buried at Pere Lachaise Cemetery, along with some fascinating facts about their lives and graves.
What is Pere Lachaise Cemetery?
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the city and covers over 44 hectares. Opened in 1804, it was named after Father François de la Chaise, confessor to King Louis XIV. Today, it is the most visited necropolis in the world.
Famous People Buried at Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Here are some of the most notable figures whose graves you can visit at Père Lachaise:
1. Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)
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Profession: Playwright, poet, and novelist
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Famous For: The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest
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Fun Fact: His tomb, adorned with a modernist angel sculpture, is often kissed with lipstick by admirers.
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Location in Cemetery: Division 89
2. Jim Morrison (1943–1971)
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Profession: Lead singer of The Doors
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Famous For: Iconic rock music and poetic lyrics
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Fun Fact: His grave is one of the most visited in the world and is frequently covered with graffiti and tributes.
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Location: Division 6
3. Frederic Chopin (1810–1849)
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Profession: Composer and pianist
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Famous For: Romantic-era music, especially piano pieces
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Fun Fact: Though his body is buried in Paris, his heart is preserved in Poland.
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Location: Division 11
4. Marcel Proust (1871–1922)
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Profession: Novelist
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Famous For: In Search of Lost Time
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Location: Division 85
5. Edith Piaf (1915–1963)
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Profession: Singer
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Famous For: La Vie en rose, Non, je ne regrette rien
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Fun Fact: One of France’s greatest cultural icons.
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Location: Division 97
6. Georges Bizet (1838–1875)
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Profession: Composer
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Famous For: Opera Carmen
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Location: Division 68
7. Max Ernst (1891–1976)
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Profession: Surrealist artist
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Famous For: Painting and sculpture contributions to Dadaism and Surrealism.
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Location: Division 30
Other Notable Famous Pere Lachaise Graves
If you’re planning a full tour, don’t miss:
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Georges Bizet – Composer of Carmen (Division 68)
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Moliere – Legendary playwright
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Honore de Balzac – Realist novelist
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Colette – Celebrated French female author
These famous people in Père Lachaise represent just a glimpse of the cemetery’s incredible legacy.
How to Visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery
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Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
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Entry Fee: Free
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Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (may vary by season)
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Getting There: Closest Metro: Philippe Auguste (Line 2)
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Tip: Use a printed or digital map, or book a guided tour to easily locate famous Pere Lachaise graves
Famous Parisian cemetery
The most famous Parisian cemetery is Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise), located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
Why Père Lachaise Cemetery is Famous:
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It is the largest cemetery in Paris (over 44 hectares).
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Over 1 million people are buried here.
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It’s known for its artistic tombs, peaceful paths, and rich history.
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It attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cemeteries in the world.
Famous People Buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery:
Here are some of the most notable individuals buried there:
Name | Known For |
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Oscar Wilde | Irish poet and playwright |
Jim Morrison | Lead singer of The Doors |
Frédéric Chopin | Legendary Polish composer |
Édith Piaf | Iconic French singer |
Marcel Proust | Influential French novelist |
Molière | Famous French playwright |
Georges Bizet | Composer of Carmen |
Honoré de Balzac | Noted French novelist |
Sarah Bernhardt | Celebrated French actress |
Jean de La Fontaine | Famed fable writer |
Interesting Facts:
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Opened in 1804.
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Named after Père François de la Chaise, the confessor to King Louis XIV.
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Some tombs are registered historical monuments.
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Jim Morrison’s grave is a pilgrimage site for rock fans.
FAQs About Pere Lachaise Cemetery Famous People
Why is Pere Lachaise Cemetery famous?
Because it’s the final resting place for world-famous artists, writers, musicians, and political figures.
Who is the most visited grave in Pere Lachaise?
Jim Morrison’s grave is the most visited and frequently decorated by fans.
Can I visit Pere Lachaise for free?
Yes, the cemetery is open to the public with no entry fee.
How can I find a specific grave in Pere Lachaise?
Use official maps, mobile apps, or guided tours available at the entrance.