Crématorium-columbarium du Père-Lachaise

The Crematorium-Columbarium is a building featuring Byzantine Revival architecture with a central dome and numerous walls containing thousands of urn placements. The structure combines public spaces with private niche areas designed to accommodate all forms of cremation interment.

Opened in 1889, this was the first municipal cremation facility in France, marking a shift in how the country practiced burial customs. The building introduced a new approach to handling remains that departed from traditional interment methods.

The columbarium walls hold remains of notable French artists and thinkers who are remembered at this memorial site. Visitors notice the many inscribed niches that show how this place serves as a final resting place for people from different walks of life.

The building is open to visitors daily, and you should know it is an active cemetery, so wearing respectful clothing and maintaining a quiet demeanor is important. Plan time to read the inscriptions on the niches, as the space is larger than it appears from the outside.

Looking closely at the grass surrounding the building, you might notice white lines that represent ash naturally integrated into the soil. This subtle visual reminder shows how remains become physically part of the earth.

Location: 20th arrondissement of Paris

Architects: Jean-Camille Formigé

Part of: Père Lachaise Cemetery

Website: http://crematorium-perelachaise.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.86244,2.39589

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40