Paris Père Lachaise: Walking Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Walk beneath the trees of Père Lachaise and hear the real stories behind its famous names, guided by someone who truly knows the place

You’ll walk quiet tree-lined paths in Père Lachaise Cemetery with an English-speaking guide who brings each story to life, from Oscar Wilde’s glass-covered tomb to Edith Piaf’s lipstick-marked grave. Expect laughter, unexpected silences, and moments that linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Walking tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery

• Meet English-speaking guide Max
• Walk along green paths and nature
• Explore tombs of famous individuals
• Learn about cemetery history and architecture
• Visit graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison
• See memorials for innocent victims

The experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect a cemetery to feel so alive. We met Max (he’s from Scotland but somehow fits right in here in Paris) just outside the gates of Père Lachaise. He greeted us with this warm “Alright?” and then led us straight into these winding green paths, where sunlight flickered through old trees and everything felt quieter than the city just beyond the walls. There was this faint smell of damp earth, mixed with flowers left by strangers for people they’d never met. I kept thinking: how does a place full of graves feel so full of stories?

Max had this way of making each stop feel personal, like he knew everyone buried there. He told us about Edith Piaf’s grave (there were fresh lipstick marks on the stone), and then Jim Morrison’s, which was already surrounded by a few fans humming “Riders on the Storm” under their breath. At Oscar Wilde’s tomb, Max paused to explain why it’s covered in glass now (too many kisses, apparently). I tried to say something in French about Wilde and totally butchered it. Max laughed and said even Parisians get tongue-tied here sometimes.

The tour lasted about two hours but honestly, time blurred a bit as we wandered past memorials to those who’d been wronged or forgotten. There was one spot where we all just stood quietly for a moment: no one needed to say anything. I remember brushing my hand along an old stone angel and feeling how cold it was, even though the sun was out. It’s strange how you can feel connected to people you’ve never met just by standing where they rest.

What’s included

Your walk includes guidance from a native English-speaking local who knows every twist of Père Lachaise Cemetery, plus plenty of time to pause at famous graves and memorials along tree-lined paths, with gratuities already covered for you.

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 10:00 and 14:00, from € 50 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 64 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Infant (under 7): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Père Lachaise Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years); Infant (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Père Lachaise walking tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately two hours.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes, your guide is a native English speaker from Scotland now living in Paris.

Are famous graves like Jim Morrison's included?

Yes, you'll visit well-known graves including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.

Is Père Lachaise Cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cemetery is wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included. You meet your guide at Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Père Lachaise Cemetery.