Private Père Lachaise Cemetery tour Paris : stories behind the graves

Two hours among the graves, guided by someone who knows them.

You spend two hours walking through Père Lachaise Cemetery with a private guide who stops at specific graves and explains who lies there and why they matter. The walk covers different sections of the cemetery on paved but uneven paths; you move at a listening pace, not a rushing one. Your guide speaks multiple languages and meets you at the main entrance near Père Lachaise Metro station. A minimum of two people per booking means you're never alone on the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private guided tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery

• Meet private guide in Paris
• Walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Visit different cemetery stops
• Learn about famous burials

The Experience

Two hours is how long you'll spend inside Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris's 20th arrondissement, moving between different stops with a private guide. The cemetery holds over 44,000 graves across 110 acres, and without someone who knows which stones matter and why, you'd spend the afternoon reading names. Instead, your guide stops at specific tombs and tells you about the people buried there—the lives, the deaths, the reasons they ended up in this particular corner of Paris.

The walk stays on paved paths, but the terrain is uneven in places and there's climbing involved; the cemetery sits on a slope. You'll move at a pace that lets you stand and listen, not rush between stops. Père Lachaise draws everyone from Oscar Wilde to Édith Piaf to Jim Morrison, but the guide picks the graves that have real stories attached, not just names you recognize. A private tour means the stops are yours alone—no waiting for a group to catch up, no stopping at graves you don't care about.

The cemetery is accessible by Metro (lines 2 or 3 to Père Lachaise station), and the entrance is a short walk from the platform. Your guide meets you there and handles the route from that point. Bring comfortable shoes; the ground is stone and earth, and you'll be standing often. The guide speaks multiple languages, so confirm which one when you book. If you use a wheelchair, let the operator know in advance—some paths work, others don't, and the guide will plan the route around what's possible that day.

What’s included

• Private guided tour.
• professional guide who speaks multiple languages.
• different stops inside Père Lachaise Cemetery with stories about the people buried there.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Napoleone Tour

Is this one for you?Right for couples and small groups who want Père Lachaise explained rather than simply walked through—the private guide removes the guesswork about which graves matter and why.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long is the Père Lachaise Cemetery tour?

Two hours, including walking between stops and time to listen at each grave.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required. You'll need to arrange the tour ahead of time.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is multilingual. Confirm your preferred language when you book.

Is Père Lachaise Cemetery accessible by public transport?

Yes. Père Lachaise Metro station (lines 2 and 3) is a short walk from the main entrance where your guide meets you.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a stroller, though the paths are uneven in places and there is some climbing involved.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Some paths are accessible, others are not. Let the operator know when booking so they can plan the route around what works for you that day.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The ground is stone and earth, and you'll be standing frequently during the two-hour tour.

Who is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery?

The cemetery holds over 44,000 graves, including famous figures like Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Jim Morrison, among many others. Your guide chooses specific graves with real stories to share.