Montparnasse Cemetery is a huge cemetery in the 14th arrondissement of Paris that covers around 45 acres. It is one of the most visited sites in Montparnasse and is the burial ground of famous Parisian writers, artists, scientists and intellectuals. I was lucky enough to spend time wandering and exploring the cemetery the other week and share what I found in today's post.
A History of Montparnasse Cemetery
Going back in history to the Middle-Ages, the site of the cemetery was farmland and was occupied by market gardeners. In around 1825 the cemetery was created and was originally known as the Cimetière du Midi. It was at that time located outside of Paris.
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Of course, as the city grew its buildings and streets encompassed the cemetery. Now known as Montparnasse Cemetery or Cimetière du Montparnasse it is located near Gare Montparnasse and Église Notre Dame du Travail.
Montparnasse Cemetery is the second largest cemetery in Paris
Divided into two sections of unequal proportions the cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries outside the old town boundaries. The other large cemeteries of Paris are Montmartre Cemetery in the 18th arrondissement and Père Lachaise in the 20th arrondissement.
Rue Emile Richard divides the cemetery and can be used as a starting point for your wandering.
Montparnasse cemetery with Montparnasse Tower in the background
Map of Montparnasse Cemetery
Before going to explore the cemetery I downloaded and printed a map from the official travel website of the Mairie of Paris, so I could get an idea of which gravesides I wanted to visit and whereabouts they were. Download a copy of the map for your next trip.
As the cemetery is so large, this is a good idea if you have specific graves you wish to visit and pay your respects. It can be overwhelming with so many interesting gravestones to read and statues to admire, so having an idea of whom you wish to visit will be helpful and keep you on track, especially if you have limited time.
You can get more information like opening hours and disability access at the Cimetière du Montparnasse - Official website of the Convention and visitors Bureau.
Location: 3 boulevard Edgard Quinet - 75014 Paris
These were the gravesides I most enjoyed paying my respects to because I have written articles about them and knew some of their life history and association with the city.
- Aristide Boucicaut - the founder of Le Bon Marché and whom Square Boucicaut is named after.
- André Citroën - the industrialist and engineer who gave us the Citroën 2CV.
- Adolphe Crémieux - the politician and whom pretty rue Crémieux, Paris is named after.
- Charles Garnier - architect of the Paris Opera.
- François Rude - sculptor and famous for his work on the Arc de Triomphe.
