Père lachaise district

No one wanted to be buried at Père Lachaise… until a clever publicity stunt changed the game.

Today, Père Lachaise Cemetery is a sprawling necropolis drawing visitors from all over the globe. Yet, in its early days, no one wanted to be buried there. Here's the story of the marketing tactic that ultimately transformed its reputation.

Did you know? 3 unusual anecdotes about Père Lachaise cemetery

Père Lachaise is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. Its famous tombs, its mysteries and its fascinating history. But how much do you really know about it? We reveal 3 unusual anecdotes about the Père Lachaise cemetery.

Crea'Café: the creative coffee shop for 100% painting workshops opposite Père-Lachaise cemetery.

A stone's throw from the Père-Lachaise cemetery, a creative coffee shop has taken up residence: the Créa'Café. Designed by Louise, this hybrid space, part painting studio and part cozy lounge with retro vibes, invites you to let go, paintbrush in hand, whether on canvas or fabric, for a 2.5-hour session accompanied by a drink.

Bokbar pop-up bookstore: Nordic books to devour at the Swedish Institute

This fall, Bokbar is setting up shop at the Swedish Institute and opening a pop-up bookstore dedicated to Nordic literature. Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Tove Jansson, Sara Stridsberg, Sofi Oksanen, Karl Ove Knausgård, Karolina Ramqvist... come and discover the novels of these talented Nordic authors until December 21, 2025.

Tarik Kiswanson presents "The Relief", a free exhibition at the Swedish Institute - our photos

This autumn and winter, the Swedish Institute in Paris invites Tarik Kiswanson, winner of the Prix Marcel Duchamp in 2023. On view free of charge from October 23, 2025 to January 11, 2026, this exhibition, entitled "The Relief", unveils a small selection of works by the multi-disciplinary visual artist, "presented for the first time in France".

A walk in the footsteps of Marguerite Duras in Paris, between anarchist revolt and places of transmission

Explore the Parisian sites that shaped Marguerite Duras's intimate and intellectual existence, from her apartment on rue Saint-Benoît to the street that now bears her name.

Blazing Grace: the free exhibition at the Swedish Institute for Paris Design Week, our photos

As part of Paris Design Week, the Swedish Institute in Paris is opening its doors to five Scandinavian glass artists. Join us in the Marais district of Paris from September 3 to 21, 2025 to discover this free exhibition entitled "Blazing Grace", featuring works by Maria Bang Espersen, Hanna Hansdotter, Peter Hermansson, Fredrik Nielsen and Kirsten Vikingstad Hermansson.

Do you know the secret of this mysterious tomb in Père Lachaise?

In the 29th division of the Père Lachaise cemetery, an unusual tomb surprises walkers who come to explore this necropolis in the heart of Paris: a mountain of stone topped by a strange antenna. We tell you the secret of this original burial site.

Los Guardiola: wordless poetry and dreamlike dance at Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens

Dance, movement theater and daydreams come together in Fantaisie en 7 rêves et demi, a wordless show for ages 8 and up, every Saturday at 5pm from January 3 to February 28, 2026.

Drag Race France All Stars at La Bellevilloise: viewing party with Le Filip and Perseo

Drag Race fans beware! La Bellevilloise invites you to its Drag Race France All Stars viewing party, every Thursday from July 10 to August 28, 2025. And for the show's premiere, Le Filip and Perseo, from season 3 of Drag Race France, await you for a queer, festive and inclusive viewing party mixing drag show, DJ set and look competition.

Richard III: William Mesguich stages the lust for power at the Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens

From September 9 to December 23, 2025, the Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens presents William Shakespeare's Richard III, directed by William Mesguich, with a cast of eight actors playing over twenty-five characters.

Nuit Blanche 2025: dance, electronic music and technology... The program at La Bellevilloise

La Bellevilloise opens its doors this Saturday, June 7, 2025, for a memorable and festive 24th Nuit Blanche in Paris!

Louis-Jean Desprez: the Swedish Institute dedicates a monographic exhibition to the artist, our photos

Painter, engraver, architect and traveler, Louis-Jean Desprez left his mark on the 18th century with his dramatic and enigmatic works. Fifteen of these works can be admired free of charge at the Swedish Institute. This monographic exhibition, part of the new layout of the permanent exhibition, runs from May 17 to October 26, 2025.

Queens of Chaâbi, a queer Maghreb cabaret with performances, cuisine & DJ sets at La Bellevilloise

The TAW TAW association is organizing Queens of Chaâbi, a queer Maghreb cabaret with performances, cuisine and DJ sets at La Bellevilloise!

Happy Apocalypse at Les Gémeaux Parisiens: a wacky musical hybrid fable

Somewhere between an electro-pop tale and poetic delirium, Happy Apocalypse will be presented at the Théâtre des Gémeaux in Paris from June 4 to 11, 2025. An atypical show for ages 13 and up, combining theater, live music, science and burlesque.

Romancero Queer at La Colline: a collective fresco of rage, laughter and identity at the theater

Presented from May 20 to June 22, 2025 at the Théâtre de la Colline, Virginie Despentes's "Romancero Queer" brings to the stage a multi-faceted, hard-hitting take on today's struggles.

Brazil-France 2025 season: Brazilian guitar concert at the Marguerite Duras multimedia library

A Brazilian guitar concert with accents of samba and bossa nova awaits you on Friday May 16, 2025 at the Médiathèque Marguerite Duras, as part of the Saison Brésil-France 2025. An immersive evening of mixed guitar colors through the prism of Brazilian culture.

Paris Tap Fest: the first tap dance festival comes to La Bellevilloise

Feel like putting on your tap shoes and trying out a new dance? Head to the Paris Tap Fest, the first festival dedicated to this practice, to use your heels and your talents for a few hours, at La Bellevilloise, on April 6 and 7, 2024.

Animal Triste in concert at La Maroquinerie, Paris, April 2025

Animal Triste makes a stopover at La Maroquinerie on Tuesday April 29, 2025 for a unique concert in the capital. The Normandy rock band will be defending their latest opus, "Jéricho", live.

Sacré Sound Festival 2025: Arthur H, Sabîl & Vincent Segal... the program

The Sacré Sound Festival is back for a second year. To be discovered in several atypical Parisian venues from May 18 to June 5, 2025, this year's musical event welcomes Arthur H, Éléonore Fourniau, Neta Elkayam and Sabîl & Vincent Segal.