Pre Lachaise Cemetery

Pre Lachaise, located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, is one of Europe's largest urban cemeteries with an area of 44 hectares. Since its opening in 1804, it has become one of the must-see places for visitors to Paris, not only because it is the resting place of the dead but also because it houses the final resting places of some of history's most important figures. More than 3.5 million visitors annually explore this cemetery, paying their respects to the memories of the famous people buried here.

Those walking through the cemetery discover not only graves but also monumental sculptures of high artistic value, gates designed in Baroque and Gothic styles, and tranquil garden areas. Alongside legendary artists such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, and Molire, the award-winning director of Turkish cinema Yılmaz Gney and the symbol of Turkish music Ahmet Kaya also found their final rest here.

Pre Lachaise is open all year round and can be visited in any season. The greenery and flowers of the cemetery are particularly beautiful in spring, while autumn offers a romantic atmosphere. In winter, you can find a quieter and more peaceful environment, but attention should be paid to weather conditions. If you want to avoid tourist crowds, you can choose early weekday mornings; Sundays and afternoon hours tend to be more crowded.

It is recommended to check the official Paris tourism website for current opening and closing hours. You should allocate at least 2-3 hours to comfortably explore the cemetery. You can have a more efficient visit by getting a map or joining a guided tour.

The most practical way to reach Pre Lachaise is by the Paris metro system. Philippe Auguste and Pre Lachaise stations directly serve the cemetery. The main entrance gate of the cemetery is located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, opposite Rue de la Roquette. There are a total of 5 entrances, but the largest and best-known entrance is this main gate. Buses or taxis are also alternative options.

You can reach the cemetery from the center of Paris in approximately 15-20 minutes by metro. It is possible to get there by transferring from main metro lines such as Cité Universitaire and Chtelet. For those who prefer walking, there is also the option to walk from the Belleville area.

Exploring Pre Lachaise is a journey of discovery. The cemetery is designed irregularly, featuring dead-end streets and narrow passages, which makes it resemble a theatrical set. Oscar Wilde's grave is the most famous and most photographed spot in the cemeteryt is often covered with visitors' lipstick marks. Jim Morrison's grave is another popular stop, frequently adorned with flowers and notes. To find other legends like Chopin, Molire, and Edith Piaf, you should either use a map or join a guided tour.

The graves of Ahmet Kaya and Yılmaz Gney hold special significance for Turkish visitors. Since they are scattered in different areas of the cemetery, planning your route properly will save time. Guided tours are offered in English, French, and sometimes Turkish.

One day is enough to visit Pre Lachaise. You can see the main graves and feel the atmosphere within 2-3 hours. If you want to do a more detailed examination, take photos, or take a guided tour, half a day (3-4 hours) would be more ideal. For a thorough visit, you should set aside a full morning or afternoon.

If you are staying in Paris for 3 days or longer, you can include Pre Lachaise in your visitor itinerary along with other historical sites such as museums, Montmartre, or Notre-Dame. The Belleville and Ménilmontant areas are close to the cemetery, making them suitable for combined visits.

Enter the cemetery from the main entrance gate and head left towards Oscar Wilde's grave. From there, you can find Jim Morrison's grave, then visit the graves of Edith Piaf and Chopin. A guide map is essential to find the Turkish artists, and cemetery staff can assist. If we proceed towards the quieter corners of the cemetery, we can discover monumental sculptures of high artistic value and the beauty of old graves.

At the end of the visit, it is possible to see the more ancient structures at the top of the cemetery and view Paris from a wide angle. If you are not joining a guided tour, researching what you need to know and locations online beforehand will make your visit more enjoyable.

Oscar Wilde's grave is visually the most impressive and suitable place for photography. Its colossal sphinx sculpture, Art Deco style design, and being constantly adorned with flowers make it the best photo spot. Jim Morrison's grave has a simple but attractive design and its surroundings are often filled with romantic decorative elements. The narrow and winding streets of the cemetery, ancient statues and statuettes offer great photo opportunities for art lovers.

Photos taken from the high points of the cemetery with the Paris skyline in the background are also striking. It should be noted that, as the cemetery is a peaceful place, it is important to be respectful and quiet when taking photos. Early morning hours yield the best results in terms of light.

Pre Lachaise is a place of respect, so etiquette should be observed during your visit. Not speaking loudly, not using graves as play areas are basic rules. If there is a tradition of leaving money on a grave, this shows your desire to respect local customs. Drinking alcohol, littering, or vandalism are strictly prohibited within the cemetery. You should also check the gate opening hours; get information in advance about whether the gate will be locked at the hour or at certain times.

Due to the size and complex structure of the cemetery, you can easily get lost. It is recommended to get a map, download a mobile app, or take a guided tour. Wearing appropriate shoes is also important because walking on cobblestone paths can be tiring. Wearing clean and respectful clothing will also not be a disadvantage.

Visiting Pre Lachaise is quite affordable financially. Entry to the cemetery is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option. Accommodation and food expenses in Paris are more significant points. If you want to take a guided tour, tour prices may vary depending on the operator, but generally range between 20-60 Euros.

There are no food and drink vendors inside the cemetery, so it would be better to visit after or before eating in Paris. A metro card (t+ card) reduces transportation costs in Paris. Maps or guide services can be found with free or low-cost options.

Belleville and Ménilmontant, areas close to Pre Lachaise, are quite lively neighborhoods. Here you can find cheap hostels, apartment hotels, and budget-friendly hotels. With good metro connections, it is also easy to reach other parts of the city. If you stay in more touristy areas like the Latin Quarter or Marais, you can reach the cemetery by metro in 15-20 minutes.

Staying in Belleville provides a more authentic Parisian experience. The area has affordable restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, if you want to be closer to the center of Paris, although more expensive, the Saint-Germain or le de la Cité areas can be preferred. The choice of accommodation should be determined by your budget and your plans to visit other places in Paris.

Just outside and in the immediate vicinity of Pre Lachaise, there are various options ranging from classic French cuisine to street food. In the Belleville area, you can find cuisines from different countries. You can come across kebab, pizza, Thai food, and naturally, French crepes and pastry stalls. For breakfast, French pastries, croissants, and espresso are famous.

There are cafe and boulangerie (bakery) chains near the cemetery. If you want to have a picnic, you can buy sandwiches, fruits, and water beforehand. For dinner, you can try authentic French dishes in affordable restaurants and bars in the narrow streets of Belleville. If you are looking for a more expensive and chic experience, you will need to go to the central areas of Paris.

Shopping stores directly inside and just outside Pre Lachaise are limited. There are some small shops and souvenir vendors near the cemetery, but the selection is not very wide. The main shopping areas of Paris are Champs-lysées, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette; these are about 20-30 minutes away by metro.

In the Belleville area, you can find local style products, Turkish and Arabic goods, and antique items. If you get shopping advice from your tour guide, you may have the opportunity to discover local and more unique products. If you want to buy French cosmetics, perfumes, and luxury brands, central Paris is a more suitable option.