Père-Lachaise
The romantic lanes of the world's most famous cemetery.
The story of the place
The hill was called Mont-Louis and held the Jesuits' country house, home to Father François de La Chaise, confessor to Louis XIV; his name stuck. The city opened the Cimetière de l'Est here in 1804, laid out by the architect Brongniart as an English garden, all winding paths and trees. Parisians found it too far out; in 1817 the presumed remains of Molière and La Fontaine, and those of Héloïse and Abélard, were moved in, and the fashion caught on. The Mur des Fédérés recalls the Communards shot there in May 1871.
Getting there
Nearest metro station: Père Lachaise (2/3). The spot is in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Open walking directions.
The light
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season.
Where to go after the shoot
A few addresses within a short walk, to make the moment last.
Art nouveau brasserie, open from 6am Monday to Saturday, on the boulevard running along the cemetery wall.
Bistro established for over a century on place Gambetta, original mouldings and a Burgundy stone bar, right outside the cemetery's Gambetta gate.
Former workers' cooperative turned café-concert: dinner under the olive trees of the Halle, Thursday to Saturday evening, ten minutes from the cemetery.
Addresses checked in 07/2026. Places change — check opening hours before you head out.
Photo spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Père-Lachaise?
Nearest metro station: Père Lachaise (2/3). The spot is in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
When is the best time to photograph Père-Lachaise?
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season. Mist and fallen leaves in autumn.
Can I book a photographer for a shoot at Père-Lachaise?
Yes. SnapSpot Paris connects you with Paris-based photographers who know the location. A single session can cover several nearby spots — the photographer adapts the route to the light of the day. Street art Oberkampf, Parc de Belleville, Coulée verte René-Dumont, Place des Vosges.