Cimetière de Montmartre

Overview

Sunk deeply below the street level in a former limestone quarry, the Montmartre Cemetery is a stunningly romantic, surprisingly quiet oasis located right near the chaotic Moulin Rouge. It is the third-largest necropolis in Paris and deeply tied to the city's artistic legacy.

Highlights

• Dalida's Tomb: The undisputed star of the cemetery is the legendary, tragic Egyptian-French singer Dalida, whose magnificent, life-sized golden statue is constantly surrounded by fresh flowers.
• Feline Residents: The cemetery is famously populated by dozens of exceptionally well-fed, feral cats that sleep peacefully on the sun-warmed marble tombstones.
• The Overpass: The massive, iron Caulaincourt bridge dramatically physically spans entirely over the cemetery, creating a highly cinematic, slightly eerie atmosphere underneath.

History

Opened in 1825, the cemetery was built in the deep, abandoned gypsum quarries that originally provided the raw material for "Plaster of Paris." Because the rent in Montmartre was historically so cheap, the area attracted thousands of struggling artists, writers, and musicians—meaning this graveyard eventually became the final resting place for absolute titans of the French avant-garde, including Edgar Degas, Émile Zola, and François Truffaut.

Visitor Tips

• Navigation: Like Père Lachaise, it is incredibly labyrinthine. Take a photo of the large map board at the main entrance to help locate specific graves.
• Accessibility: It requires descending a steep set of stairs from the street level.