World
Fact-checked

At CulturalWorld, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Pere Lachaise Cemetery Famous for?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Pere Lachaise cemetery, located in Paris, France, is the largest cemetery in the city and one of the most visited cemeteries in the world. At Pere Lachaise, one can visit the graves of numerous celebrities from the realms of history, music, literature, art, theatre, and science. In addition, the cemetery contains five World War I memorials, boasts beautiful landscaping and a romantic atmosphere, and offers a rich variety of funerary art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The origins of Pere Lachaise cemetery as a final resting place for the famous began when the cemetery was first opened in 1804. Pere Lachaise was one of many cemeteries opened during this time outside the center of Paris in response to a ban on cemeteries within the capital, which were considered a health hazard. The popularity and prestige of the cemetery was something of a marketing scheme by the Napoleonic government, as the remains of 17th century French authors La Fontaine and Moliere were moved there the same year it was opened. This stunt was followed 13 years later by the interment of the legendary Medieval lovers Heloise and Abelard, accompanied by a spectacular monument in their honor. This cemetery quickly became the most popular place in Paris to be buried.

The Irish writer Oscar Wilde is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
The Irish writer Oscar Wilde is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.

Today, tourists from all over the world visit this cemetery for its unique atmosphere and its famous grave sites. The distinction of most visited grave goes to that of Jim Morrison, American songwriter and lead singer of The Doors. Due to continued vandalism, his grave is now under constant surveillance by a security guard. Other entertainers buried here include French singer Edith Piaf, American dancer Isidora Duncan, and actors Sarah Bernhardt, Yves Montand, and Simone Signoret.

Eugene Delacroix, famous for his Liberty Leading the People art work, is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
Eugene Delacroix, famous for his Liberty Leading the People art work, is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.

Many of the famous tombs in Pere Lachaise house the remains of those who have contributed to the world of high culture. Famous authors include Honore de Balzac, Marcel Proust, Alfred de Musset, Gerard de Nerval, Guillaume Apollinaire, Colette, Oscar Wilde, Richard Wright, Gertrude Stein, and Alice B. Toklas. Artists buried here include Eugene Delacroix, Gustave Dore, Camille Pissarro, Georges-Pierre Seurat, Pierre Paul Prud'hon, Gustave Caillebotte, Theodore Gericault, Rene Lalique, and Max Ernst. Composers Frederic Chopin and George Enescu round out the list. The cemetery is also the resting place of some eminent scientists, including physiologist Claude Bernard, engineer Zenobe Gramme, and sociologist Henri de Saint-Simon.

Due to vandalism, singer and song writer Jim Morrison’s grave is now under constant surveillance by a security guard.
Due to vandalism, singer and song writer Jim Morrison’s grave is now under constant surveillance by a security guard.

Pere Lachaise is a must see for anyone visiting Paris. The cemetery has its own Metro stop, and maps of famous grave sites are available from many nearby vendors. It's a good idea to look at a map and plan out your itinerary before entering the cemetery, as its size can be overwhelming, and it can be quite a trek between grave sites.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a CulturalWorld editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a CulturalWorld editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1000086

Morrison's grave site was a let down. There was once a bust of Jim's head but it was stolen by fans "to save it" from the other irreverent fans, and the family is said to have removed Jim's actual remains in fear that his body would be stolen as well.

WaterHopper

@chrisinbama: In 1971, Jim Morrison and girlfriend Pam Courson moved to Paris, so Morrison could concentrate on his writing and poetry. Morrison had become fed up with the LA music industry. On July 3, 1971, Pam found Jim unconscious in the bath tub. He was pronounced dead after firemen pulled Morrison from the tub.

Since, Morrison was fascinated with the Pere Lachaise Cemetery; Pam bought two plots and had him buried there.

chrisinbama

Why was Jim Morrison buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery?

anon63046

The criminal Claude Bernard who did animal testing on live animals without sedating them. He believed animals had no soul and couldn't feel pain so he performed the most excruciating painful tests upon them without one consideration whatsoever. This man should be removed from that grave and his remains must be dumped in the garbage!

anon27776

what scientist is buried in the cemetery?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The Irish writer Oscar Wilde is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
      By: Nando Machado
      The Irish writer Oscar Wilde is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
    • Eugene Delacroix, famous for his Liberty Leading the People art work, is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
      By: Yann Caradec
      Eugene Delacroix, famous for his Liberty Leading the People art work, is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.
    • Due to vandalism, singer and song writer Jim Morrison’s grave is now under constant surveillance by a security guard.
      By: Lsantilli
      Due to vandalism, singer and song writer Jim Morrison’s grave is now under constant surveillance by a security guard.
    • The remains of Moliere were moved to Pere Lachaise Cemetery the year it was opened.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      The remains of Moliere were moved to Pere Lachaise Cemetery the year it was opened.
    • Composer Frederic Chopin is buried at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
      By: Juulijs
      Composer Frederic Chopin is buried at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
    • Pere Lachaise Cemetery is located in France's capital, Paris.
      By: polesnoy
      Pere Lachaise Cemetery is located in France's capital, Paris.