It might not be the first thing on your traveling to-do list, but it is always unique and interesting to visit the cemeteries found within a certain destination. It can really prompt you to learn more about a city or country, and it is a simple way to get outside of the travelling norm.
Over in the eastern portion of Paris is the Père Lachaise Cemetery, and it is the largest cemetery within city limits. Once known as the East Cemetery, Père Lachaise is located in the 20th arrondissement and is accessible from Metro lines two and three. On a sunny afternoon, it is nice to walk through the winding cemetery and take notice of all the different gravesites. If you are able to visit in the springtime, the flowers and shrubbery make for an even more enticing scene.
Among the one million people buried here, there are some very notable people who use Père Lachaise as their final resting spot. One of the most notable is the novelist and playwright Oscar Wilde. He died in the year 1900, but was not actually moved to the Père Lachaise Cemetery until 1909. The large grave monument is covered in red lipstick, as it used to be that his admirers would come to kiss his tomb; unfortunately, visitors are no longer allowed to take part in this tradition, but the previous kisses still survive.
There is also the resting spot of Jim Morrison, the American singer and songwriter with The Doors. As a highly visited tomb and slightly vandalized, there has been some controversy with families of surrounding burials. But alas, Morrison is still buried here to this day, and the tomb is now guarded with a small fence.
Upon entering the cemetery, make sure you check out the map so you do not get lost. It won’t take long for you to realize just how massive the Père Lachaise Cemetery really is. However, if you are not looking for a specific gravesite, then by all means, wander the premises and explore without a certain destination in mind.
