Visit Paris

On your right, along Casimir Delavigne Path, lies the grave of Honoré de Balzac.  France has produced some of the world’s most beautiful and renowned literature. Honoré de Balzac stands out as one of France’s greatest novelists, a key figure of the 19th century whose works left a lasting mark. Read more

Félix Faure was a significant French statesman. Born in Paris in 1841, he also passed away there in 1899. He was elected President on January 17th, 1895, after a coalition of moderates came together upon Jean Casimir-Périer’s resignation. Nicknamed the “Sun President,” he was one of the French Third Republic’s most prominent figures. Read more

Nothing makes us greater than a noble grief." These are the words of the famous French writer Alfred de Musset—often called the poet of the nights. Musset is a classic example of what the French might call a Shakespearean writer: his work blends comedy and tragedy, explores intense romantic passion, and captures a wide emotional range. Read more

Walk a few steps to your right to find the grave of a woman who left a significant mark on France: Colette. On January 28th, 1873, a little girl with brown eyes and dark hair was born in the Yonne region. Little did they know at the time, but this child would become a symbol of French literature, alongside those of Victor Hugo and Voltaire. Read more

Let’s turn it up for Jim Morrison, a legendary rock icon. He was the lead singer of The Doors, an unforgettable American rock band that produced several timeless classics. Jim was born in Florida to a stay-at-home mother and a military father. During his childhood, he moved a lot all around the country. Read more

On your left stands the memorial to the Opéra-Comique victims, built in 1888. This tomb holds a tragic story, dating back to May 25th, 1887. Around 9pm, a violent fire broke out inside the Opéra-Comique, the national theatre. It spread from above the stage while the audience was watching a play called Mignon. Read more

To your left lies one of France's most celebrated singer-songwriters — Michel Delpech. Born in 1946, he became obsessed with iconic French singers as a teenager. In 1964, he dropped out of high school to release his first record, "Anatole." Read more

On your right lies the one and only Édith Piaf. Known as La Môme Piaf, or the little sparrow, her unforgettable voice and face have undeniably shaped French culture. Her small frame, black outfits, cross pendant, and renowned voice became signature elements of her enduring image. Read more

Here lies Georges Courteline — born Georges Moinaux — a French writer and playwright from the city of Tours. In a world tangled in bureaucracy, power, and greed, he held up a mirror. His writings reflected back characters so absurd,but so real. Read more

You are now standing before the tomb of Oscar Wilde — one of Ireland’s brightest minds, and one of the world’s most unforgettable writers. You’ve likely heard of some of his work... For example, he published the renowned The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1890, a philosophical novel about eternal youth. Read more

France is the birthplace of cinema, dating back to 1895 and the Lumière brothers. But before that, in 1883, a star was born - Félix Galipaux. Raised in modest surroundings, Félix found his escape on stage—in the world of theatre and film. From a young age, he had a gift for making people laugh. Read more

Did you know that France's overseas territories are home to nearly 80% of the country’s biodiversity? These stunning islands have also given rise to artists, philosophers, and athletes who have shaped French culture. To your right lies Henri Salvador. Born in French Guiana, he was a man of many talents - singer, composer, performer, writer, and comedian!  Read more

Here lies Jean-François Champollion, the man who gave a voice to Ancient Egypt. In 1822 he succeeded in deciphering hieroglyphs, quite the feat... But let’s start at the beginning. Champollion was born in 1790. From a young age, he was fascinated by the mysteries of Egypt — and he later became an Egyptologist, a linguist, and a historian. Read more

Before you rest two giants of French literature. Jean de La Fontaine is one of the most famous and celebrated poets in the world, and his tale “The Fox and The Crow” is known in every corner of France. He passed away one evening in 1695 at the age of 73, but his words still walk among us. Read more

Want to create an elegant, soothing mood? Chopin is exactly what you’ll want to tune into.  Though originally from Poland, Frédéric Chopin spent most of his life in Paris. Today’s greatest musicians still consider him to be a genius in his field. The piano was his beloved instrument, through which he poured his deepest emotions into every composition. Read more

Here lie countless figures that have shaped France and are remembered by history. Welcome to Père-Lachaise, nestled in the heart of Paris’s 20th arrondissement. Its crematorium handles nearly 6,500 cremations each year. Read more

It’s time to pay our respects to the site’s many war memorials. The cemetery path you're walking along is called the Avenue of Foreign Soldiers Who Died for France. Around you, there are various plaques dedicated to Belgian, Armenian, Polish, Czechoslovakian, and Italian soldiers who died for France during the First World War, from 1914 to 1918. Read more

If you walk a few meters down the path on your right, you’ll soon arrive at Marcel Proust’s tomb. A French writer, critic, and essayist who inspired countless readers to immerse themselves in the world of literature. His body of work is considered amongst the greatest cultural treasures of France. Read more

Let’s stop by Guillaume Apollinaire’s tomb. With a name that echoed through the early 20th century, he’s still considered a major figure in literature today. Although born in Rome to a Polish father and a French mother, this poet and writer was declared a national hero by the land of human rights, in recognition of his service during the war.  Read more