Pere Lachaise Cemetery

I’d been waiting for the perfect afternoon to visit Pere Lachaise.

Located in the 20th arrondissement, it’s one of the world’s most famous cemeteries.

To be honest, this was one of my very favorite experiences in Paris. 

The cemetery is massive, incredibly beautiful, and peaceful.

There is an oppressive calm that falls over you upon entering the wrought iron gates,

and stepping onto its cobblestone pathways.

 

 

There are burial sights of all shapes and sizes.

 

 

 

 

Some graves are simple, and others quite ornate, with elaborate stonework.

 

 

Forever immortalized in stone, a boy and his best friend: 

 

 

This was just one corner of the two story crematorium located on the grounds:

 

     

Even where age and neglect run their course,

the beauty of a Parisian day shines through this empty window frame:

 

 

So much beauty in the details:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, many visitors come to Pere Lachaise for its famous residents.

Oscar Wilde’s grave was perhaps the most unique:

  

The quote that begins ‘LE PLUS IMPORTANT’ is Oscar’s variation on one of my favorites: 

‘most importantly, LIVE. most people just EXIST.’

 

 

This life size bronze grave is that of Victor Noir. 

Legend states that if you rub the, rather exaggerated, crotch area,

you will have a very promising sexual and marital future. 

Needless to say, after a few people had walked past,

I gave good old Victor a few rubs!

  

The grave of Monsieur Chopin:

 

 

And perhaps the cemetery’s most visited resident: 

Jim Morrison. 

 

 

This one gave me a giggle:

‘Alone at Last!’

 

 

On my way out of Pere Lachaise, I came across this quote.

Something to ponder on my walk back into the hustle and bustle of Paris.

‘What becomes of the dream when the dream is done?’

 

 

In my opinion…

The dream lives on, eternally.

Mais, bien sur!