On the site of an abandoned quarry, Montmartre Cemetery is one of the largest and most significant graveyards in Paris. Located below street level, and partially shadowed by the Pont Caulaincourt (a 19th-century bridge), the landmark has a tranquil and tucked-away ambiance. Known as the final resting place of numerous cultural figures, such as author Alexandre Dumas and filmmaker François Truffaut, the cemetery can be explored independently or on a walking tour of Montmartre.
The cemetery is free for all visitors to explore.
Montmartre Cemetery has steep slopes and uneven pavements, making it difficult to explore for those with mobility issues.
In addition to many creative luminaries, the Montmartre Cemetery is also home to a community of local cats.
To reach the Montmartre Cemetery, take Métro Line 2 or 13 to Place de Clichy, or take Line 13 to La Fourche. The landmark can also be reached via bus Nos. 30, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, and 95, as well as the Montmartrobus (a special bus that makes it easier to navigate this famously hilly neighborhood). Alternatively, travel by car or taxi, by Vélib’ bike, or on foot.
The Montmartre Cemetery is open daily year-round, except in cases of severe inclement weather. The landmark is famously shaded by hundreds of trees, so it’s especially appealing to explore on sunny spring and summer days.
Once you’ve braved the heights of hilly Montmartre, it’s worth combining your cemetery visit with stops at other local landmarks. Continue to Sacré-Coeur Basilica for some of the best views overlooking Paris, explore the Musée de la Vie Romantique to learn more about the area’s artistic heritage, and stroll past the iconic Moulin Rouge.
