Occultists' Guide to Père-Lachaise

If there is a cemetery as peaceful as it is mysterious, it is certainly Père Lachaise in Paris. Behind its shaded paths lie several figures who have marked esotericism and occult sciences in France, alongside great thinkers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and philosophers. Strolling through this labyrinth of stones is to walk in their footsteps, those who dedicated their lives to uncovering the secrets of the invisible. If you plan a visit (entry is free), this guide could help you plan your route.

1. The history of Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père-Lachaise Cemetery, inaugurated on May 21, 1804, is the largest cemetery within the city limits of Paris, covering 44 hectares in the 20th arrondissement. Its creation responded to the need to reorganize Parisian burials, as inner-city cemeteries posed health problems. Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, decreed that every citizen had the right to be buried, regardless of their religion or origin. Thus, several cemeteries were established at the gates of Paris, including Père-Lachaise to the east, Montmartre to the north, and Montparnasse to the south.

Designed by architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, Père-Lachaise is distinguished by its English garden layout (as opposed to the perfect geometry of French gardens), with winding paths, narrow trails, varied vegetation, and artistic and sometimes imposing funerary monuments. However, in its early days, the cemetery struggled to attract Parisians, who found it too far from the center and located in a working-class neighborhood. To remedy this, in 1817, the authorities organized the transfer of the remains of famous personalities such as Molière, Jean de La Fontaine, as well as the legendary couple Héloïse and Abélard. This initiative greatly increased the cemetery's popularity, which quickly became a sought-after burial place and a favored walking site.

It now includes 70,000 graves. It also has a large crematorium (the first in France), but the exact number of people cremated to date is not precisely documented. However, it is said that more than 2 million people rest at Père-Lachaise. Needless to say, it is a place extremely charged with energies that will strongly resonate with the most sensitive individuals. It is also a very comprehensive collection of what is called funerary art, whether eerie or unusual.

2. Who was Père Lachaise?

The cemetery is named after François d'Aix de La Chaise, born on August 25, 1624, at the Château d'Aix near Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté (in the Loire). He joined the Jesuits in 1639, became a philosophy professor and rector of the Collège de la Trinité in Lyon. In 1675, he was appointed confessor to King Louis XIV, a position he held for thirty-four years. During this time, he exercised a moderating influence on the king, notably tempering his fight against Jansenism (strict moral rigor and criticism of the Church) by moderating actions during the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. 

François de La Chaise often stayed in a country house located on the Mont-Louis hill, east of Paris. This property, acquired by the Jesuits in 1626, served as a place of rest and spiritual retreat. Thanks to the king’s generosity, the estate was expanded and beautified, becoming a popular vacation spot. After the Jesuits were expelled in 1762, the property changed hands several times before being acquired by the City of Paris in 1804 to establish the cemetery. Thus, the name Père Lachaise remained attached to this place, in honor of the confessor of the Sun King.

3. How is the Père Lachaise cemetery organized?

The cemetery is divided into 97 numbered sections, called divisions, which make it easier to locate graves. These divisions vary in size and shape, some being large rectangular plots, others more irregular spaces. The main paths, called avenues, cross the cemetery and connect the different divisions. There are also paths and roundabouts (yes, really), forming a complex but organized network. Let's be honest, it’s not always very easy to find your way around, but that’s not necessarily a flaw: in this unique cemetery, people enjoy getting lost and emotionally discovering the memories of those who have passed away.

Père-Lachaise has several entrances:

• Main entrance: located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant, opposite Rue de la Roquette. It is accessible by car and is near the Philippe Auguste metro station (line 2).

• Porte du Repos: at 16 rue du Repos (no joke), near the conservation building. This pedestrian entrance is also served by the Philippe Auguste metro. 

• Porte des Amandiers: on boulevard de Ménilmontant, opposite the Père-Lachaise metro station (lines 2 and 3). This pedestrian entrance has a staircase of about thirty steps

• Porte Gambetta: located on rue des Rondeaux, opposite avenue du Père-Lachaise, near the crematorium. It is accessible by car and close to the Gambetta metro station (lines 3 and 3bis)

• Porte de la Réunion: accessible by stairs, this entrance is near the Alexandre Dumas metro station (line 2)

To navigate the cemetery, unless you have a sharp sense of direction, it is advisable to have a detailed map showing the divisions, paths, and notable graves. Maps are available at the main entrance and can also be viewed online.

4. The great figures of esotericism buried at Père-Lachaise

Allan Kardec, born Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail, is considered the founder of Spiritism. A 19th-century French educator and philosopher, he codified Spiritist doctrine through works such as The Spirits' Book and The Mediums' Book. His tomb, topped with a dolmen, attracts many visitors who leave flowers and messages, hoping to receive favors or spiritual answers. Some practice laying on of hands on the monument, convinced this gesture can grant their wishes. 

4.2. Éliphas Lévi (Division 15)

Born Alphonse Louis Constant, Éliphas Lévi was a 19th-century French writer and occultist. He played a key role in the revival of occultism in Europe, notably through his work on Kabbalah and ceremonial magic. His book Dogma and Ritual of High Magic influenced many esotericists. His grave, though modest, is a place of reflection for those interested in occultism.

4.3. Papus (Division 90)

Gérard Encausse, known by the pseudonym Papus, was a French doctor and occultist. Founder of the Martinist Order, he contributed to spreading esoteric teachings in France. His works on theurgy and tarot remain references in the field. His grave, adorned with esoteric symbols, is located in the 90th division of the cemetery.

4.4. Joséphin Péladan (Division 19)

Joséphin Péladan was a French writer and occultist, founder of the Catholic Order of the Rose-Cross. He sought to merge art and esotericism, organizing artistic salons to promote this vision. His grave is located in the 19th division of Père-Lachaise.

4.5. Stanislas de Guaita (Division 36)

French poet and occultist, Stanislas de Guaita had a notable influence on 19th-century occult sciences. He is especially known for his ideological duel with Papus regarding certain esoteric doctrines. His grave, located in the 36th division, is a point of interest for occult enthusiasts.

4.6. Jean-Julien Champagne (Division 92)

Engineer and draftsman, Jean-Julien Champagne is often associated with the mysterious alchemist known as Fulcanelli. Although his true identity remains debated, some believe he might be Fulcanelli himself. His grave is in the 92nd division of the cemetery.

4.7. Pierre Piobb (Division 73))

Pierre Piobb was a French hermeticist, author of works on esoteric symbolism and hermetic sciences. He played a role in spreading occult knowledge in the early 20th century. His grave is located in the 73rd division of Père-Lachaise.

4.8. Georges Descormiers (Division 90)

Publisher and occultist, Georges Descormiers contributed to the spread of esoteric works in the 20th century. His influence on the publication of occult texts makes him a notable figure in the field. His grave is also located in the 90th division of the cemetery.

5. The legendary graves of Père-Lachaise

Beyond these occult figures, Père-Lachaise is also a place full of legends.

5.1. Victor Noir: the grave with fertile powers

Victor Noir, a 19th-century journalist, is known for his unusual grave. His bronze statue, depicting his reclining body, features a notable bulge in the crotch area. An urban legend suggests that touching this part brings fertility or luck in love. As a result, the statue shows a different patina there, evidence of many visitors' touches.

5.2. Félix de Beaujour: the mysterious column

Félix de Beaujour, a 19th-century diplomat, rests under an imposing 20-meter-high column, the tallest in the cemetery. This monumental structure intrigues visitors due to its unusual size for a grave.

5.3. Countess Elizaveta Demidoff: the "Vampiress of Père-Lachaise"

Elizaveta Alexandrovna Demidoff, née Stroganoff, was a Russian aristocrat who died in 1818. Her grave, located in the 19th division of the cemetery, is the origin of a persistent legend. According to the story, she would have left a fortune to anyone who agreed to watch over her grave for 365 consecutive days. This proposal fueled speculation, some seeing it as an attempt to recruit a guardian to contain her supposed vampiric spirit.

5.4. The tomb of "The Duke": Dracula?

Another legend concerns a tomb bearing the inscription "The Duke." Some esotericism enthusiasts say it could be the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, better known as... Dracula. It is said that the spirit of a bat sits on its roof, visible only to those who know how to look carefully.

6. Freemasonry at Père-Lachaise

You have certainly noticed that many tombs and memorial plaques contain the symbol of Freemasonry.

First, it is important to know that Freemasons consider death as a passage to another state of existence. Masonic funerary symbolism reflects this initiatory vision of the afterlife, where earthly life is seen as a trial leading to spiritual elevation. Some Freemasons therefore chose to include these references on their graves to signify their belonging to the Order and their commitment to its values.

The cemetery itself is not linked to this society, but it hosts figures who have marked politics, culture, and science, many of whom were affiliated with Masonic lodges. Moreover, some lodges make sure to honor the memory of their members by funding or maintaining their graves.

And there you have it for this tour of this well-known cemetery, and I encourage you to go visit it, especially since it is completely free and easily accessible. For more information, it's over here.