La Fontaine's tomb, Poet's grave in a cemetery in Paris, France

La Fontaine's tomb is a stone monument in Père-Lachaise Cemetery, 20th arrondissement of Paris. Its upper block bears the incised name "FONTAINE" and a recessed panel carved with Latin text beginning "HIC JACET"; curved brackets support the overhang above a lower section of weathered pale and grey rectangular blocks with a dark inset panel. A stepped base and heavy flat cap complete the structure.

La Fontaine died in 1695 and was first buried elsewhere in Paris. In 1817, his remains were moved to Père-Lachaise along with those of Molière, a decision made partly to draw more visitors to the cemetery, which was still relatively new at the time.

The tomb sits in a part of the cemetery that draws many visitors with an interest in French literature. People sometimes leave small tokens near the grave, a quiet way of acknowledging how La Fontaine's fables have stayed alive in French schools and everyday language for centuries.

The cemetery is open every day and entry is free. The paths can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, and it is worth picking up a map at the entrance since the grounds are large and individual graves can be hard to find without one.

The monument was listed as a classified historical monument by a decree of 14 November 1983. Its carved Latin inscription opens with "HIC JACET" above the name JODE LA FONTAINE, and the upper block is carried on curved stone brackets above a lower course of rectangular blocks.