I love cemeteries which I suppose is a good thing since I’ll probably spend eternity in one. I love their serenity, their history and their art. One of my favorites is Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It’s the most popular in the world for checking out graves of its famous dead like Jim Morrison, Chopin, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein and, of course, Oscar Wilde. There are so many folks buried there —300,000 at last count — it can take you a lifetime to explore…
My photographic tour of this Disneyland of the dead.
Père Lachaise is filled with winding pathways through neighbourhoods of those who’ve passed on.
Apparently living people sleep in some of these mausoleums. Some do it so they can hang out
near Jim Morrison’s grave in the early morning hours.
As with most older cemeteries the graves are not necessarily kept up,
and roots and rain do their entropic work.
The quiet eternal sleep of Abélard and Héloïse,
perhaps the two most celebrated lovers of all time.
And for celebration here’s the resting place of Chopin,
one of my favorite musicians — and a true poet of the ivories.
There are many haunting images to be found at Père Lachaise.
…and some cute ones like this kiss for Oscar Wilde whose tomb, by the way, is covered
by a thousand lipstick kisses of fans from all over the world.
Raphael has been giving “unofficial” cemetery tours and keeping watch over Jim Morrison’s grave for
30 years, every day. He works by donation so give him one when you visit Père Lachaise. Let him show
you the graves and light your fire.
And last but not least, is Jim Morrison’s place, possibly the only grave in the world with its own
security guards who watch over the grave so visitors don’t steal it, piece by piece.
Photo Credits
All photo© chrisholtphotos.com 2010. All Rights Reserved.
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GREAT shots! Nice work Chris!
Merci Beaucoup
Love!!! Makes me want to die in France:)
Yes, it’s quite the place to hang out for eternity…lots of interesting company to keep.
Thanks for the nod.
Wow!! This is beautiful Chris!!
Many years ago I purchased space at a little cemetery in Central Saanich, It always gives me great comfort to know, that one day I will be able to keep company with some of our local old timers
Staggering images, Chris! Thank you.
Maggie
Thank you Maggie. Maybe I’ll do a Ross Bay series soon..given it’s in the neighbourhood….
I like the first few shots very much. Very powerful indeed. I wish you would’t have computer edited them and just left them black and white though.
Thanks Anna…I know the vignetting is a bit extreme..I was playing, trying for mood. Check out Photographing Death in Venice in which I didn’t do the vignetting and let me know what you think. Thanks
http://lifeasahuman.com/2010/arts-culture/photography/photographing-death-in-venice/
i had the most amazing day here , i went to see Jim Morrissons , I met Rapheal as soon as i walked in , he gave me the most amazing, interesting ,funny and most enjoyable guide to the cemetry , he was a star and made my whole day , i wish there was a ay i could let him know just was an amazing experience it was to see Jim Morrissons grave but the highlight of the day was definately Rapheals company !!!
sorry , forgot to say what lovely photos