Appropriately, the day following Halloween (which is only an imported holiday in France, used as a marketing tool for the ever-hungry consumer) is All Saint's Day in France (or Toussaint). Traditionally, the day has served as an opportunity for families to clean the graves of their departed. We thought it was a perfect opportunity to visit one of the world's famous cemetaries, Pere Lachaise, the eternal home of Jim Morrison, Chopin, Moliere, and the star-struck lovers Heloise and Abelard (wiki-them).
Over 300,000 bodies are buried within the 118 acres cemetary.
The almost-as-anti-climatic-as-the-Mona-Lisa grave of Jim Morrison. Fans have caused such chaos at the gravesite that a full time security guard has been hired to prevent vandalism and theft.
Chopin's tomb, attracted the largest crowds, as well as the most flowers and candles. The most incredible graves were found along streets far removed from the famous inhabitants of the cemetary, but who inspired their loved ones to create works of art to honor their memory.
2 comments:
put this on the "have to see" places for me!! I could care less about "Jim"...liked a few of his songs but graveyards have always been places of interest (and well being) for me. Granny always said if someone was after you "hide in a graveyard the good spirits will protect you". Did I ever tell you how my friend Donalyn and I use to go after school to clean the headstones off the older section of the cemetery when the lawn had been mowed? We were driving through the cemetery one day and noticed it was not well cared for.... we started right then to care for that area so many had forgotten about.
I love Pere LaChaise. It's one of my favorite places in Paris. What's odd is that it's so far off the beaten path. If you feel like walking a bit I also suggest hitting the Catacombs. It's a bit macabre but pretty cool.
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