17 May 2017 / leggypeggy

Strolling through a famous cemetery

cemetery, graves, Montmartre, Paris, travel

Emile Zola, novelist

Paris is one of the few cities in the world that is famous for, of all things, its cemeteries. Last time we were here, we visited the catacombs, which aren’t exactly cemeteries, but are filled with the bones of thousands of Parisians long gone.

This time we headed to Montmartre with its famous church, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (or the Sacré-Coeur Basilica), and the nearby cemetery, which is the final resting place for many famous artists who lived and worked in the Montmartre area.

Montmartre Cemetery view to lower level

Now before we get there, I have to have a little whinge about finding the entrance to the place.

I visited this cemetery in 2003, and I recall arriving at the gate without any difficulty at all. This time we walked around the entire perimeter and then back and forth over the Rue Caulaincourt viaduct that overlooks the entrance gate. The place seemed impenetrable and I began to think the only way in would be to abseil, but finally we noticed a small sign that pointed to a steep staircase that took us to ground level. If you’re ever in a similar situation, remember this address—20 Avenue Rachel in the 18th arrondissement.

Part of Montmartre Cemetery runs under Rue Caulaincourt viaduct

Anyway, on to the cemetery.

We spent ages trailing around the cemetery (map in hand), looking for famous graves and admiring the beautiful landscapes. The graves of unknowns—at least unknown to us—far outnumber the famous and many are quite beautiful.

I’ve included some pics of both here and, for the most part, only added captions for the famous.

Alexandre Dumas, wrote the Three Musketeers

Michel Berger, singer songwriter

Andre Ampere (left), physicist

Maurice Sinet (Siné), Charlie Hebdo political cartoonist

Okay, I’ll admit it. I didn’t know who all the famous people were but the map told me why they were famous and I’ve added that too.

P.S. I’ll try to stop by Montparnasse Cemetery before this trip ends. And more to come about Montmartre, in general, and the basilica.

P.P.S. If you need a laugh check out the goat cheese torta recipe from my other blog. It’s from Being dead is no excuse: the Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral.

Montmartre Cemetery