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Cimetière de Picpus

Picpus Cemetery, at 35 rue de Picpus, is a discreet Paris memorial linked to the French Revolution. It is also the burial place of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Cimetière de Picpus

In pictures

  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 1
  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 2
  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 3
  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 4
  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 5
  • Cimetière de Picpus in Paris — tourist attraction, view 6

About

Picpus Cemetery is a discreet memorial site in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. It matters for its link to the French Revolution. It is also known as the burial place of the Marquis de Lafayette. The site combines a cemetery and the Chapelle de Picpus. The mood is quiet and restrained. This is not a vast cemetery for long walks. Its value lies in memory, context, and the unusual calm of the setting. A Picpus Cemetery visit suits travelers who prefer historical depth over spectacle. It usually appeals more to history-minded visitors than to families seeking a broad outdoor stop. The visit is often brief. It is more meaningful if you know why the place matters before arriving. Check opening hours before you go, as access can be limited. The address is 35 rue de Picpus, 75012 Paris. If you want photos or a list of people buried there, it helps to read a little in advance. In cooler months, the quieter atmosphere feels especially fitting. If access is restricted, Père-Lachaise offers a broader alternative.

The Concierge's Tip

Go earlier in the day and check opening times the same day. Access can be more limited than at larger Paris cemeteries. Plan for a short, focused visit, centered on the memorial setting and Lafayette’s grave. The atmosphere calls for quiet behavior and a discreet pace. In autumn or winter, the reflective mood feels especially appropriate. If it is closed, Père-Lachaise is a practical alternative for a longer cemetery visit.

Ask the Concierge

Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.

Ask the Concierge

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried at Picpus Cemetery?
Picpus Cemetery is best known for the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette. The site is also associated with victims of the French Revolution buried in nearby common graves. If you want a fuller list of people buried there, it is best to rely on the site’s own material or specialist historical sources. The cemetery makes more sense once you know that memorial context.
Where is Lafayette’s grave?
Lafayette’s grave is at Picpus Cemetery in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. The address is 35 rue de Picpus, 75012 Paris. The site is relatively compact, so finding your way is usually straightforward once inside. It is still best to follow any signage on site. Keep in mind that this is a place of remembrance, not a conventional sightseeing stop.
How can I visit Picpus Cemetery?
The best approach is to check opening hours before leaving and plan a short, quiet visit. A Picpus Cemetery visit is mainly about history and Lafayette’s grave. It is not a large cemetery designed for extended wandering. Reading a little beforehand helps, especially if you want to understand the Revolutionary context rather than simply see the site in passing.
What is the history of Picpus Cemetery?
Picpus Cemetery is tied to the French Revolution and to the memory of people executed during that period. The site also includes a spiritual dimension through the nearby Chapelle de Picpus. Its importance comes less from grand design than from what it commemorates. It is best understood as a place of remembrance first, and only second as a place to visit.
Why is it called Picpus?
The name Picpus refers to the neighborhood and its local history, not only to the cemetery itself. For most visitors, the useful point is that the site belongs to a wider historical setting. If that aspect interests you. It is worth pairing the visit with a short read on the Picpus area and the nearby chapel before you go.
What do visitors say about Picpus Cemetery?
Visitor feedback on Picpus Cemetery often mentions its quiet atmosphere, restrained character, and historical interest. Many appreciate how discreet the site feels. Others point out that the visit is fairly short. It tends to suit travelers looking for a specific memorial place, rather than those expecting a large Paris cemetery for a long exploratory walk.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors allow for a fairly short stop. The time you need depends on your interest in Revolutionary history and in Lafayette. If you like reading on-site information and placing the cemetery in context, you may want a little longer. It is usually not the kind of visit that fills half a day on its own.