Every now and then I go for a stroll in this cemetery in the 20th Arondissement. It's the biggest in the city of Paris with 110 acres of land and it was the first garden cemetery in the city. It's like a little village and I don't find it at all morbid. There are many famous people buried here; Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Maria Callas, Bizet, Chopin and Molière to name but a few.
Wow wow! Clever pov. Yes I find cemetries, I was going to say interesting but I think historically interesting would be more accurate. Reading the names and putting the families together is morbid but reminds me how I should have studied sociology. At Toussaint 's the flower displays are a reminder of how many families live on in the region. Think I might take my camera with me next time and be more artistic and try not to feel voyeuristic. Not sure if this makes sense but think your photo has inspired me.
Very nice indeed. When I studied in Paris in the 80s, my friends and I went to see Jim Morrison 's grave (and Edith Piaf). It was quite the wild adventure -- others gathered around Morrison's grave drinking and claiming he's not actually dead. Ha! This photo is wonderful in comp and POV! I can't wait to visit there again (with more of an adult eye!).
@darylo Check out today's post! I had already planned on posting it before seeing your comments. Didn't know you studied in Paris ... so it will be a trip down memory lane when you return this year with your daughter?! Morrison's grave has caused lots of 'issues' as you might imagine. Last time I went there it had been cordoned off to stop people placing empty wine bottles and candles - very inappropriate for all the graves alongside. I think the other families complained about it. It's such a fabulous cemetery though, isn't it?!
@pennystot Père Lachaise makes it easy. It's so huge and most graves are pretty ancient, so you feel less of an intruder. It's also a tourist attraction, let's be honest, and there are some wonderful photo opportunities!
What a wonderful capture! I actually love to visit cemeteries when we've traveled as they vary so greatly in other countries! This would be high on my list were I to be back in Paris for a period of time!
@Weezilou It's brilliant. I was actually there again yesterday (before I went to the Centre Beaubourg), as I'm organising a walk for some friends in March and so am 'checking out' my route, and trying to remember it, so I don't lead them astray! This is a monthly activity and everyone takes a turn in fixing the route - most people do a ramble in the suburbs, but I wanted to do something in Paris - but the part that most people don't go to - so starting in the outer 20th arrondissement going through Belleville and then Pere Lachaise cemetery (its so big, it's a decent part of the walk) and ending up in the 11th arrondissement for lunch, with an optional walk to Bastille and Chatelet afterwards. About 15 km in all. I love the cemetery - there are just SO many photo opportunities, and I will be posting a few more over the coming weeks!
@jamibann Thanks for all that wonderful information! I owe some dear friends/NS neighbors a letter, and they will love to read this! It was with them that we traveled Italy and France for 2 months 6 years ago. They would love this walk...if they haven't already done so!
@jamibann I thought you'd get a kick out of my reply from Billy today:
Pére Lachaise. My, oh my. D&I spent an entire day there. And why not? It takes time to visit and ponder the likes of Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, Abelard, Balzac, the wondrous Simone Signoret, Gustave Doré, Modigliani......well, you get the idea. Thanks for the trip down Memorial Lane.
Pére Lachaise. My, oh my. D&I spent an entire day there. And why not? It takes time to visit and ponder the likes of Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, Abelard, Balzac, the wondrous Simone Signoret, Gustave Doré, Modigliani......well, you get the idea. Thanks for the trip down Memorial Lane.