Paris Père Lachaise: Walking Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

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.

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.