Located in the 20th Arrondissement, Pere Lachaise is truly the most beautiful cemetery.
It is massive (118 acres) and a map is a must have.
Our first visit was in 2006 and we entered in the late afternoon...without a map...not a smart move...
Once the sun goes down the massive gates are locked, not my idea of a fun place to spend the night. Fortunately a guard directed us to an exit in time.
This visit we were approached by one of the many "unofficial" tour guides...they roam the cemetery offering assistance in finding significant burial plots. We, of course being friendly Americans were sucked right in. I think he took a liking to my sister!
Can you see the reaction to this chance encounter written all over our faces?! Dear brother Jay of course captured the moment. He ran us from one end of the cemetery to the other. Thankfully he spoke wonderful English and asked whom we might be seeking rather than immediately taking us to Jim Morrison's grave, still one of the most popular there. He entertained us with great stories and explained the inner workings of the cemetery. It seems that once the grave lease is up after 100 years, "unless further payment is received, remains are removed, cremated and tossed into the river".
"Barbecue, Barbecue,Barbecue!" he shouted. We never got his real name so he will forever be known as Barbecue. We tipped him, perhaps too generously, and made our escape to continue on our own.
Chief Photographer
Beautiful statues everywhere
The grave of Oscar Wilde, covered with lipstick kisses from admirers.
Doorways
Notice the cobblestone roads? Flat shoes are a must! And be prepared to climb as the cemetery is built into a hillside. But do go, it is beautiful and you will not be disappointed.
Oh, and if you see a crazy frenchman in a Doors t-shirt, don't say I did not warn you!
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