Pere
Lachaise is an offbeat place to visit making a pleasant interlude
to the museums and monuments of Paris.
The history of the cemetery dates back to 1803. The authorities were
persuaded to rebury Molière, La Fontaine, Abélard and
Héloïse in the new cemetery. Quickly the Pere Lachaise
became the ultimate symbol for the rich and successful.
Today you are struck by the fact that many of the rich and famous
have some of the most humble graves. None more, than Jim Morrisson
the American pop star.
The architecture and many of the inscriptions make for a pleasant
hour or two pottering around, away from the noise of the city.
If you must, maps are available at the main entrance gates and flower
shop.
Getting There:
Pere Lachaise is just east of the city centre. The classic route is
to get the
Metro to Pere Lachaise (line 2 or 3).
The cemetery at Montmartre is similar to Pere Lachaise but of a smaller
scale, it may fit better into your itinerary, particularly if you
are visiting the Montmartre/Pigalle area. The Montmartre Cemetry is
signposted off the Boulevard de Clichy, near Blanche Metro (line 2)
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