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Montparnasse Cemetery: A Parisian Resting Place of Luminaries

Explore the serene Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, the final resting place of artists, intellectuals, and historical figures.

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The Montparnasse Cemetery, or Cimetière du Montparnasse, is a 19-hectare (47-acre) green space in the heart of Paris, serving as the final resting place for many of France's intellectual and artistic elite. Opened in 1824, it offers a tranquil escape with over 35,000 graves and a diverse collection of funerary art.

A brief summary to Montparnasse Cemetery

  • Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Pick up a map at one of the entrances to help you locate specific graves of interest.
  • Allow at least two hours to explore the cemetery's vast grounds and discover its hidden gems.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery is quite large and requires a lot of walking.
  • Visit during good weather to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and greenery.
  • Remember that this is a place of respect and contemplation.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Montparnasse Cemetery is accessible via the Paris Metro. The closest stations are Vavin (Line 4), which provides direct access to the main entrance on Boulevard Edgar Quinet, and Gaité (Line 13), with an entrance on Rue Froidevaux. Several bus lines also serve the cemetery, including lines 58, 68, 82, and 91. A single Metro or Bus ticket costs €2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Montparnasse Tower, the cemetery is a short walk away. Head south on Rue du Départ, then turn left onto Boulevard de Vaugirard. Turn right onto Boulevard Edgar Quinet; the main entrance to the cemetery will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from the Montparnasse train station to the cemetery will cost approximately €11-€20, depending on traffic and time of day. Note that fares may be higher during peak hours or on Sundays.

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Discover more about Montparnasse Cemetery

Located in the Montparnasse district, the Montparnasse Cemetery is one of Paris's most iconic places, inviting visitors to a contemplative experience at the heart of collective memory. Opened on July 25, 1824, and originally known as Le Cimetière du Sud (Southern Cemetery), it was created to replace the city's parish graveyards that were closed due to sanitation concerns. The cemetery is the final resting place for a diverse array of individuals, including political figures, philosophers, artists, actors, and writers. Among the most famous are writers and philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, poet Charles Baudelaire, and singer Serge Gainsbourg. Their graves are often adorned with tokens of admiration from visitors. The cemetery also features monuments dedicated to those who died in the Franco-Prussian War and to police and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Montparnasse Cemetery is also known for its art, sculpture, and funerary architecture. The cemetery houses the Moulin de la Charité, a 17th-century windmill that is the last vestige of the area's rural roots. Visitors can also find Brâncuși's 'The Kiss' and statues by Niki de Saint Phalle. Today, Montparnasse Cemetery remains an active burial ground, with new burials still taking place. It is one of the greenest spaces in Paris, featuring over 1,200 trees and bushes of multiple species.

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