Montmartre Cemetery

The Basics

On the site of an abandoned quarry, Montmartre Cemetery is one of the largest and most significant graveyards in Paris. Located below street level, and partially shadowed by the Pont Caulaincourt (a 19th-century bridge), the landmark has a tranquil and tucked-away ambiance. Known as the final resting place of numerous cultural figures, such as author Alexandre Dumas and filmmaker François Truffaut, the cemetery can be explored independently or on a walking tour of Montmartre.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The cemetery is free for all visitors to explore.

• Montmartre Cemetery has steep slopes and uneven pavements, making it difficult to explore for those with mobility issues.

• In addition to many creative luminaries, the Montmartre Cemetery is also home to a community of local cats.

How to Get There

To reach the Montmartre Cemetery, take Métro Line 2 or 13 to Place de Clichy, or take Line 13 to La Fourche. The landmark can also be reached via bus Nos. 30, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, and 95, as well as the Montmartrobus (a special bus that makes it easier to navigate this famously hilly neighborhood). Alternatively, travel by car or taxi, by Vélib’ bike, or on foot.

When to Get There

The Montmartre Cemetery is open daily year-round, except in cases of severe inclement weather. The landmark is famously shaded by hundreds of trees, so it’s especially appealing to explore on sunny spring and summer days.

Additional Montmartre Highlights

Once you’ve braved the heights of hilly Montmartre, it’s worth combining your cemetery visit with stops at other local landmarks. Continue to Sacré-Coeur Basilica for some of the best views overlooking Paris, explore the Musée de la Vie Romantique to learn more about the area’s artistic heritage, and stroll past the iconic Moulin Rouge.

Ways to explore

One of the largest and most significant graveyards in Paris, the Montmartre Cemetery is an essential stop during a trip to the bohemian, hilltop Montmartre neighborhood. The landmark features on Montmartre walking tours, history tours, and even driving tours via vintage Citroën 2CVs.

If you're after a tranquil retreat, the free-to-visit Montmartre Cemetery is also a great place to wander independently (and say hi to its resident cats). Soak up its contemplative atmosphere and seek out the final resting places of numerous French cultural figures, including author Alexandre Dumas and filmmaker François Truffaut.

Accessibility

While technically accessible, Montmartre Cemetery has steep slopes and uneven surfaces that may make access difficult in practice.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, umbrella, camera, water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers and shoes with a good grip to handle the cobblestones.

Not allowed

Jogging, loud conversations, behavior that disturbs the respectful setting

Amenities

Restrooms, nearby cafés

Address

Montmartre Cemetery is located in Paris’ northern Montmartre neighborhood, in the city’s 18th arrondissement. There are multiple ways to get here, including public transportation, taxis, and rideshares.

Driving

Owing to traffic restrictions and congestion, as well as limited or expensive parking, driving in central Paris is not recommended for travelers. Make use of taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

The cemetery is well-served by public transit. Take métro line 2 to Blanche or Place de Clichy stations, line 12 to Lamarck–Caulaincourt or Abbesses, or line 13 to Place de Clichy or La Fourche.

Best times to visit

For the optimal calm environment, visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends to be busiest. Aim for a weekday for a quieter experience (except for Thursdays, when the cemetery is closed).

Best months to visit

Instead of summer, when heat and crowds may make visiting less pleasant, aim for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons.

Special events

Explore the cemetery during the annual European Heritage Days in September. Or, time your visit for one of Montmartre’s top events: the Grape Harvest Festival, held in October.