Tucked away in Paris's 12th arrondissement, the Picpus cemetery is unusual in many ways. Firstly, it's one of the capital's two private cemeteries, along with that of the Portuguese Jews. Secondly, not just anyone can enter: this very special cemetery houses only the bodies of those who were guillotined during the Great Terror, as well as those of their descendants.
As you can imagine, this cemetery represents a dark era inthe history of the city of Paris. Originally, it was the garden of the convent of the Canonesses of Saint Augustine, whose occupants were expelled during the Reign of Terror. Subsequently, mass graves were dug there to accommodate the bodies of those who had been executed by 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 spaces mark the site of the mass graves, while near the heart of the chapel, the names of the 1,300 or so tortured men who lie here are engraved on two marble plaques. Their descendants have since joined them, and the final resting place of illustrious figures such as General Lafayette. You can visit Picpus Cemetery in the afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Access is subject to a fee of €2 per person.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 20, 2025
Location
Picpus Cemetery
35 Rue de Picpus
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro Picpus (line 6)
Prices
Entrée: €2
