Heritage Days 2026: Discover Paris's most famous necropolis in a new light

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Caroline de Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis, Manon de Sortiraparis · Photos by Manon de Sortiraparis · Updated on June 30, 2026 at 01:45 p.m.
Discover one of the world’s most famous cemeteries through an offbeat guided tour during Heritage Days 2026 in Paris. Here is the schedule for Saturday, September 19, 2026.

On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days 2026 in Paris, the renowned Heritage Days 2026 in Paris leads us through its history-steeped avenues, as we meet the eminent men and women who helped shape France’s glory... Meet at the cemetery on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for a stroll full of surprises, at the heart of Paris’s most famous cemetery.

Bal empire dans la salle de bal Château de Maisons septembre 2026Bal empire dans la salle de bal Château de Maisons septembre 2026Bal empire dans la salle de bal Château de Maisons septembre 2026Bal empire dans la salle de bal Château de Maisons septembre 2026 Heritage Days: the history, dates and the 2026 theme of this unmissable cultural event
The European Heritage Days return on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, with two new themes. While the cultural event this year marks its 43rd edition, few people actually know the origin of this flagship autumn staple. So we tell you the story behind the Heritage Days, created in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture. [Read more]

Visuel Paris 1er - arc de Triomphe musée du LouvreVisuel Paris 1er - arc de Triomphe musée du LouvreVisuel Paris 1er - arc de Triomphe musée du LouvreVisuel Paris 1er - arc de Triomphe musée du Louvre Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the schedule of visits and activities by arrondissement
For Paris’ 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, the capital’s monuments and historic sites throw open their doors—often free of charge—to reveal their secrets. Don’t miss this must-attend weekend, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026, as you discover the program built around the themes “Heritage in Peril” and “Heritage of Photography.” [Read more]

Considered one of the world's most famous necropolises, the Père-Lachaise cemetery is a must-see in Paris. In fact, it's the largest intramural cemetery in Paris. Whether for its history, the celebrities who rest there, its funerary arts, or its legends, Père-Lachaise attracts curious minds.

Sarah Bernhardt, Molière, Jim Morrison, Silvia Monfort, Frédéric Chopin, Édith Piaf, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Yves Montand, Gaspard Ulliel, Colette, Henri Salvador, Balzac, Thierry Mugler, Jean de la Fontaine... The aisles of Père-Lachaise are filled with great names that have left their mark on history and the world of the arts.

It's easy to lose yourself among the winding paths of this cemetery while chasing after one celebrity—or another. That's why the cemetery offers a special guided tour, to be experienced on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Come and meet the Great Sybil of the Revolution, and let yourself be guided by this prophetess, who has been roaming the cemetery for over 200 years. Marie Anne Lenormand, her real name, will guide you through this maze of tombs, introducing you to some of her most famous friends. Your guide will also be happy to tell you all about thehistory and legends surrounding this eternal resting place...

Heritage Days 2026 at Père-Lachaise Cemetery:

  • An offbeat tour of Père-Lachaise Cemetery, told by the Grand Sibyl

    Guided by the Grand Sibyl of the Revolution, come discover the secrets and stories behind the most famous tombs of Père Lachaise Cemetery on a tour that’s bursting with color.

    It’s been more than 200 years since Marie-Anne Lenormand wandered the winding paths of the eastern cemetery, her final home you know better as Père Lachaise.

    She’s starting to get bored and would love to meet some new faces!

    Let her lead you to the graves of her friends and introduce you to the souls she frequents. And don’t miss the tale of the cemetery itself and its intrigues…

    Guided by a licensed guide in a living-history format, in small groups of 13 to 25 people max. Reservation required.

    In French for adults and children aged 7 and up.

    Participation terms: Booking required. Adult price: €10. Reduced rate (students under 25, job seekers, and youths aged 8–17): €6. Free for children under 7—special pricing applies. Reservation is mandatory - https://epoktour.fr/visite/paris-cimetiere-du-pere-lachaise/, resa@epoktour.fr

    Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–12:00

  • Père-Lachaise in Music: Tracing the Footsteps of the Great Artists

    Discover the Père-Lachaise cemetery through the musicians and artists who shaped the history of music.

    Along its winding paths, this guided tour traces the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin, Gioachino Rossini, Édith Piaf, Yves Montand, Jim Morrison and many other figures connected to music and Parisian cultural life.

    Their graves become starting points for telling their journeys, their works, their ties to Paris, and the stories that surround their memory.

    From classical music to opera, from French chanson to rock, the stroll crosses several eras and musical realms. Interwoven with anecdotes and musical excerpts, it offers an original way to discover Père-Lachaise as a true hub of cultural and musical heritage.

    Participation terms: Flat rate of €10 — booking required | Special rate - https://exploreparis.com/fr/10016-les-musiciens-du-pere-lachaise.html#/

    Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

  • Latest notes: classical musicians' tombs at Père-Lachaise

    Guided tour dedicated to classical music, from the 18th to the 21st century, tracing the tombs of composers and performers—men and women, famous or lesser-known—buried at the Père-Lachaise. The route will lead visitors through the cemetery’s iconic zones, uncovering the resting places of Chopin, Bellini, Grétry, Bizet, Saariaho, and many others.

    The tours depart from the main gate on Boulevard de Ménilmontant.

    Unfortunately, this route is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

    Participation conditions: Group limited to 25 people — No booking required | Free

    Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:30 PM–4:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, 2:30 PM–4:00 PM

0

Several other walks and guided tours are planned during these Heritage Days, so take a look at our selection.

Visuel Paris MontmartreVisuel Paris MontmartreVisuel Paris MontmartreVisuel Paris Montmartre European Heritage Days 2026: our pick of cultural walks to explore in Paris
France’s Heritage Days 2026 offer a fresh way to discover Paris, letting you explore its every nook on cultural, offbeat, or romantic strolls. Here’s our best-of list of walks to tackle this weekend, Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Paris. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
    75020 Paris 20

    Route planner
    Accessibility info

    Official website
    pere-lachaise.com

    Booking
    View the prices of this ticketing service

    Comments