Cimetiere de Montmartre (Montmartre Cemetery), Paris

The Montmartre Cemetery, officially the Northern Cemetery, is an early 19th-century necropolis and the third largest in Paris, overshadowed in fame only by the Père Lachaise and Montparnasse Cemeteries. Nestled at the base of Montmartre, it occupies a former gypsum quarry, repurposed below street level with a unique entrance on Avenue Rachel beneath Caulaincourt Street. The history of this location stretches back to when Parisian cemeteries were critically overcrowded by the mid-18th century, creating high funeral costs and unsanitary conditions.

This overcrowding led to the 1780s closure of the Cemetery of the Innocents and a citywide prohibition on burials within Paris's limits. As a solution, several new cemeteries were established on the outskirts in the early 19th century: Montmartre to the north, Père Lachaise to the east, Passy to the west, and Montparnasse to the south. Montmartre Cemetery was inaugurated on January 1, 1825, as the Cemetery of the Large Quarries, referencing its past as both a quarry and a mass grave during the French Revolution.

Today, Montmartre Cemetery is not only a significant historical site but also a key tourist attraction, revered for its serene beauty and as the final resting place of many notable artists who once thrived in Montmartre. The cemetery captures the artsy, whimsical essence of Paris that many visitors seek. It rivals the allure of Père-Lachaise by offering a picturesque and tranquil haven, filled with impressive tombs and peaceful green spaces.

Among its distinguished occupants are painter and sculptor Edgar Degas, composer Hector Berlioz, and filmmaker François Truffaut. Writers like Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and Stendhal are also interred here. Notably, the Art Nouveau tomb of Émile Zola remains a prominent site, although his remains were moved to the Panthéon in 1908. This cemetery stands as a testament to Montmartre's rich cultural heritage, encapsulating the artistic spirit and history of one of Paris's most beloved quarters.

Tip:
Entry is free and a map is provided to help visitors locate various crypts and chapels. Step up to each of these to get a glimpse of stained glass windows and/or ornate interiors.