La Fontaine's tomb, tomb in Paris
La Fontaine's tomb is located in Père-Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, one of the largest green spaces within the city. The grave was built around 1817 and features a simple, respectful design set among the winding pathways and numerous other graves throughout the cemetery.
The grave was created in 1817 to honor the poet's memory shortly after his death. To increase the cemetery's popularity, the remains of La Fontaine and other prominent figures like Molière were moved to this location, helping establish Père-Lachaise as a special place for remembering important historical and cultural figures.
La Fontaine's tomb sits within a section of the cemetery dedicated to poets and writers. Visitors come here to reflect on the poet's role in French literature and to acknowledge how his fables continue to shape storytelling and moral lessons across generations.
The cemetery is open during daylight hours every day and entry is free. The pathways can be uneven or narrow, so visitors with mobility difficulties should take care while exploring the grounds at a comfortable pace.
The grave was officially registered as a protected monument in 1983, marking its recognition as an important piece of cultural heritage. This designation highlights how deeply the poet's works and memory are valued within French society.
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