Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père Lachaise)

The Cimetière du Père Lachaise, which occupies 44 hectares (109 acres) on the eastern edge of Paris, is one of the city’s less obvious attractions, yet features on many a visitor’s itinerary. The cemetery is named after the Jesuit priest Père François de la Chaise, who was confessor to Louis XIV, and quickly became the most prestigious burial ground in the whole of the city, due to its location and royal connections. Created on the orders of Napoleon in 1804 by the famous architect Alexandre Broignart (who was also responsible for the Paris Bourse, or stock exchange), its design is based on that of an English park and features many large trees, as well as sculptures and monuments by illustrious French artists. Some 70,000 graves adorn the site, with famous names including writers, such as Molière, La Fontaine, Honoré de Balzac and Oscar Wilde, singers Edith Piaf and Maria Callas, composer Frédéric Chopin and impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. Jim Morrison’s grave invariably attracts the most attention, despite attempts by the authorities to discourage the cult atmosphere that can threaten to disturb the otherwise respectful ambience. Père Lachaise is the largest green space in Paris and the peaceful surroundings make it a popular place to escape the bustle of the city. Guided tours are available by prior arrangement.