20th Arrondissement

Père-Lachaise Cemetery is located within the 20th arrondissement in Paris, France. It is also one of the most popular cemeteries not just in Paris but also in the whole world.

Ménilmontant is a neighborhood in the area which started out as a hamlet within the commune of Belleville. The Père-Lachaise Cemetery is situated within this area, which is located on the right bank of the Seine river.

Sights & Activities

Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered the largest cemetery within the city and is one of its most popular attractions. Because a number of prominent French personalities who have gained international reputation were buried in the cemetery, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It was named after Père Francois de la Chaise, a priest who served as confessor to Louis XIV. Among the famous people buried in the cemetery are the playwright Oscar Wilde, actress Sarah Bernhardt, the novelist Honoré de Balzac, and the composer Frédéric Chopin. The cemetery also contains three memorials for World War I and II. There are also numerous interesting sculptures and tomb markers scattered all throughout the cemetery, including the world famous canopy of the tomb of Peter Abélard and Héloise. Père-Lachaise is also the venue of the much participated annual processions led by the leaders of the political left-wing. Visitors can walk up to the crest of the hill located near the middle of the cemetery and view the surrounding abundant flowers and the tranquil setting of the area. Guided tours are available for first time visitors while free maps are also dispensed at the entry points in Porte des Amandiers and Porte Gambetta.
Though there are no other popular attractions located in Ménilmontant, along the Rue de Bagnolet is the Saint-Germain de Charonne, a church established during the 13th century. Though only one tower remained of the original structure, it is still worth a visit by those interested in historic architecture. The immediate vicinity of the church still retains its rustic ambience and visitors who stroll along the nearby Rue Saint-Blaise can easily imagine themselves transported back in time.

Visitors can also head out to the Jardin de l’Hospice Debrousse, where leisure strolls can be enjoyed. A part of the garden is converted into a play area for children, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. The garden also serves as the outdoor space for the occupants of the nearby hospice.
In the northern part of the area is the Parc de Belleville, another extensive outdoor destination that is used for jogging, walking, and picnics. Along Rue Piat is the Maison de l’Air, a small museum that focuses on the study of air, where children and adults alike will enjoy its displays of colorful kites.
Ménilmontant, like the rest of the 20th arrondissement, boasts of a variety of cultures brought by the settlement of communities of different ethnic groups in the area.

Eating Out

A number of restaurants offering varied international dishes are located in the Ménilmontant district of Paris. Casa Botticelli, located along Boulevard Charonne, serves delicious Italian meals while Le Lion Indomptable offers African cuisine. Jardin De Chiang Mai, situated on Rue Cour des Noues, specializes in Thai cuisine while the nearby Takichi, along Rue Cher, offers Japanese meals.