Hidden in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Picpus Cemetery is notable in many respects. First, it is one of the capital's two private cemeteries, the other being the Cemetery of the Portuguese Jews. Second, entry is not for everyone: this very special cemetery only houses the remains of people executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror, as well as those of their descendants.
This cemetery stands as a somber chapter in the history of Paris. It originally served as the garden of the Convent of Saint-Augustin’s canonesses, whose residents were expelled during the Reign of Terror. Subsequently, mass graves were dug here to receive the bodies of those who fell to the guillotine.
It was first located on Place de la Concorde, then known as Place de la Révolution, then on Place de la Bastille, before moving to Place de l'Île de la Réunion, formerly Place du Trône Renversé. In just over a month, no fewer than 1,300 people were guillotined there.
Today, gravel-filled areas mark the sites of the mass graves, while near the heart of the Chapel lie the names of around 1,300 victims who rest here, engraved on two marble plaques.
Since then, their descendants have joined them, and the site also houses the final resting place of several illustrious figures, including General Lafayette. The Picpus Cemetery can be visited in the afternoon, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission costs 2 euros per person.
Who is buried in Picpus Cemetery? The famous and where their graves are located
Lafayette, André Chénier, Alexandre de Beauharnais… Behind the walls of Picpus Cemetery, in Paris's 12th arrondissement, several of France's great historical figures lie at rest, though not always in an individual grave. Here are the most famous people buried in this private cemetery and where to find their tombs. [Read more]
Between quiet reflection and a dive into history, the cemeteries of Paris and Île-de-France invite you to linger and wander among the graves of notable figures and illustrious unknowns. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Tuesday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Monday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Location
Picpus Cemetery
35 Rue de Picpus
75012 Paris 12
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Metro Picpus (line 6)
Prices
Entrée: €2
Who is buried in Picpus Cemetery? The famous and where their graves are located
The most beautiful cemeteries in Paris and Île-de-France, where history meets famous personalities
