Photo : Hélène Renault-Chemin
Guided Tour: The Women of Père-Lachaise
Some of history's most defiant and brilliant women share a final, peaceful address within the winding paths of this iconic necropolis. Walk through the dappled sunlight to uncover the legacies of artists, activists, and trailblazers whose contributions have often been left in the shadows. It is an immersive way to experience the city's heritage through the eyes of those who changed its course.
Cimetière du père-lachaise (Paris 20th)
About
Père-Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement offers a unique guided tour focusing on the influential women buried within its grounds. This three-hour exploration highlights artists, activists, resistance fighters, and pioneers who have shaped French history, ranging from the cemetery's earliest 19th-century occupants to more recent figures. By visiting these gravesites, attendees gain a deeper understanding of individual legacies and broader social struggles, including medical advancements and women's rights. The tour is open to visitors aged 18 and over, and costs 17 € per person. Advance booking is required to secure a spot for this historical walking tour.
There are many ways to visit the Père-Lachaise cemetery. Speaking about the women who rest there is one of those angles. Some are well-known, others have fallen into oblivion. Some lived in the 18th century and passed away in the early 19th century, becoming some of the first to be buried in the cemetery. Others have rested there for only a few years.
Speaking about these women means diving into the history of women and of France: women artists (painting, dance, writing, etc.), women in struggle (abortion rights, women's suffrage, etc.), resistance fighters and deportees, women in medicine, women in sports, and more.
Let us meet them in the heart of Père-Lachaise, designed as much as a garden as a cemetery.
Our take on this event
This guided tour provides an opportunity to discover the stories of women resting at Père-Lachaise, exploring both famous figures and those who have faded into anonymity. The narrative weaves together the history of France and the history of women, covering fields as varied as painting, dance, literature, medicine, and sports. Special attention is given to women who fought for critical causes, such as the right to vote and access to abortion, as well as those who stood up during wartime as resistance members or deportees.
The sessions are scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, and Saturday, December 19, 2026, running from 10:00 to 13:00. Participation is restricted to adults aged 18 and up. Tickets are priced at 17 € per person. The meeting point for the tour is located at 16 rue du Repos, 75020 Paris. Please ensure you make a reservation to join this experience.
