Perched atop a hill in eastern Paris lies a place where death meets art, music, and literature. Walking by rows of marble graves of famous figures can never be more pleasant than a trip to Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the most famous in the world.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is located in the eastern part of Paris in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, France. The cemetery spans over 100 acres and is surrounded by several streets. The main entrance to the cemetery is located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, which runs along the western edge of the cemetery. Other streets that run alongside Père Lachaise Cemetery include Rue des Rondeaux to the north, Rue des Pyrénées to the east, and Rue de la Roquette to the south.

There are several metro stations near Père Lachaise Cemetery. Some of the closest stations in the vicinity of the cemetery include; Père Lachaise station, Gambetta station, Philippe Auguste station, Alexandre Dumas station and Porte de Bagnolet station. All of these stations are within walking distance of Père Lachaise Cemetery and can be used to travel to other parts of Paris as well.

It was opened in 1804 and is now one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. Its history begins with Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered the creation of a new cemetery in Paris to replace the overcrowded ones in the city. The area chosen for the cemetery was on a hill outside the city, where a former Jesuit retreat had been located.

The cemetery was named after Père François de la Chaise, who was the confessor of Louis XIV and had lived in the Jesuit retreat. In addition to being a confessor, Père de la Chaise had been an advocate for the poor and had worked to improve their living conditions.

When the cemetery was first opened, it was not popular with Parisians. The cemetery was too far from the city center, and the high walls and lack of access made it difficult to visit. However, in 1817, the remains of Jean de La Fontaine, one of France's most famous writers, were transferred to Père Lachaise, and the cemetery became a popular place for people to be buried.

The first person to be buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery was a five-year-old girl named Adelaide Paillard de Villeneuve, who died of a fever on May 21, 1804. At the time of her death, her father, who was a wealthy wine merchant, owned the land where the cemetery is now located. He offered the land to the city of Paris for use as a cemetery on the condition that his daughter could be buried there. This cemetery was originally named "Cimetière de l'Est" (Eastern Cemetery) before being renamed "Père Lachaise Cemetery" in honor of François d'Aix de La Chaise, the Jesuit confessor of King Louis XIV, who had been granted the land by the king.

In the years that followed, more and more famous people were buried at Père Lachaise, including artists, writers, musicians, politicians, and scientists. Today, the cemetery covers over 100 acres and contains more than 70,000 burial plots. Visitors can see the graves of famous people like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin.

Over the years, the cemetery has undergone many changes, including the addition of new sections, the construction of new buildings, and the creation of a crematorium. Despite these changes, Père Lachaise remains an important and popular place for people to be buried in Paris. Its history and the fame of those buried there make it one of the most visited cemeteries in the world.

Père Lachaise Cemetery is an embodiment of Parisian culture and history. This final resting place has grown over the years, from being a burial ground for the famous to becoming a tourist destination for visitors all over the world. Although death may be the main essence of the place, Père Lachaise Cemetery's historical legacy continues to live on through those who rest there.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this historic site, while our knowledgeable guides offer insightful narratives that bring its history to life. From Wonder Meets and Tours, we invite you to book our exclusive product, "Paris: Graves of the Famous Private Guided Walking Tour." Embark on a personalized journey through time, discovering the legacies of these extraordinary individuals.

Join us on this unforgettable experience and witness the allure of Père Lachaise Cemetery, where history, art, and culture intertwine. Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve deep into the past. Book your tour with Wonder Meets and Tours today, and let us guide you through the captivating stories that lie beneath the tombstones of the legendary figures of Père Lachaise.