The Ghosts of Père Lachaise
The world's most visited cemetery is home to the spirits of its famous dead.
The Ghosts of Père Lachaise
Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and countless other notable figures. Since its establishment in 1804, visitors have reported encountering the restless spirits of its famous inhabitants.
The Cemetery
Named for Father François de la Chaise, confessor to Louis XIV, Père Lachaise covers over 100 acres with elaborate tombs and monuments. Over one million people are buried here. Three million visitors come annually.
The Famous Ghosts
Jim Morrison’s grave is said to be haunted by the rock star’s spirit, which has been seen and heard singing. Oscar Wilde’s tomb attracts strange phenomena. Composer Frédéric Chopin has been heard playing piano near his memorial.
The Mass Graves
The cemetery contains the remains of hundreds killed during the Paris Commune in 1871, executed against the Federalists’ Wall. Visitors report feelings of intense sadness and hear screaming near this location.
The Experiences
Visitors describe cold spots, apparitions among the tombs, and feelings of being watched. Photography sometimes captures unexpected figures. Electronic equipment malfunctions frequently.
The Spiritualists
Spirit mediums have conducted sessions in Père Lachaise, claiming to contact the famous dead. Allan Kardec, founder of Spiritism, is buried here, and his tomb is a pilgrimage site for believers.
Assessment
Père Lachaise concentrates an unusual density of strong personalities in a single location. Whether their spirits actually remain or visitors project expectations onto the atmospheric setting, the cemetery generates consistent paranormal reports.