The strange fascination of this vast cemetery stems partly from its illustrious incumbent and partly from the fantastic variety of tomb designs. Laid out in 1803 on the slope of a hill in Ménilmontant to echo a peaceful English-style garden, the cemetery is full of twisting paths, unexpected views, swaying trees and, above all, some ornate sculpture, altogether making it far from lugubrious.
Pay homage at the Mur des Fédérés to the 147 last defenders of the 1870 Commune, who were gunned down here and buried in a common grave, or to any number of political or cultural figures. An essential investment is the plan sold at both entrances, which will lead you to the tombs of Abélard and Héloïse, Chopin, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.
