Montmartre Cemetery

Morning stroll through Montmartre Cemetery. I was amazed at how young the tombs are. The oldest death dates I found were in the mid 1800s. The most recent was 2021. Many family crypts that may be older but had no dates. Only one way in and one way out, surrounded by walls. Many of the Graves are almost inaccessible because there us no path, sometimes 5 deep. It was still an enjoyable walk in the coil morning shade.

Montmartre Cemetery is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris, offering a serene and contemplative experience away from the bustling city streets. The cemetery, with its rich history and beautiful architecture, is the final resting place of many notable figures, including artists, writers, and political figures. Walking through the cobblestone paths lined with ornate tombs and sculptures is like taking a journey through French history. The well-maintained grounds and the peaceful atmosphere make it a place for both reflection and appreciation of artistry in death. One of the notable features is the grave of Émile Zola and the unique grave of Dalida, a famous singer. While it might not have the same level of fame as Père Lachaise Cemetery, Montmartre Cemetery offers a quieter and more intimate experience for those who appreciate the art and history of cemeteries. Visitors should take the time to explore and soak in the ambiance, and perhaps even take a guided tour to learn more about the notable individuals buried here. It's a peaceful and cultural escape in the heart of Montmartre, allowing you to connect with the past and appreciate the beauty even in a place of remembrance.

Love this cemetery in Paris 18. Had a lovely walk from lunch in Paris 2 along quirky, characterful streets through Paris 9 to get to the cemetery - highly recommend if you have the time and energy! This cemetery is a good size (not overwhelmingly large like Pere Lachaise) and very characterful. You could do a small section in about 30-45mins bit would need 1.5-2 hours to cover it all. Lots of crypts and interesting tombstones. My favourite has weird mummies on it (see pictures). The Dalida is very interesting with a life-size statue. I liked the Emile Zola too - mainly because I looked him up and discovered the mysterious circumstances of his death! The cemetery is free to enter, and has free public toilets near the entrance. There are parts that are wheelchair accessible but some sections are steeper, or with steps or quite narrow.

On a whim, I decided to explore this cemetery, and I'm glad I did. It was beautiful and had so much history. It almost felt like walking through an outdoor museum. There were people walking about, reading, having lunch; it was a nice place to just enjoy the moment and everyone was very respectful. There were many areas that were quite crowded with graves, but there were walkways to help you get through and explore. I didn't get to see all of it, but I would definitely go back again.