I have been to Paris lots of times but I have never visited the Pere Lachaise cemetery. It is a short walk from where I am staying in Paris, and Sunday was a beautiful day, so, walk I did.
The cemetery is the size of a small town and set out with well kept cobble stone roads and lane ways.
Some of the tombs are large and impressive.
Some are more personal and quite touching.
Some people have a sense of fun, even in death.
The tombs come in all shapes and sizes.
I love the tiny details on many of the graves.
Many famous people are buried at Pere Lachaise, including Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, Federico Chopin, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. We followed the crowd to Jim Morrison.
The area around the grave is covered with grafitti.
We then found the tomb of Oscar Wilde, which is seriously covered in graffiti.
What makes this even more disappointing is the sign at the foot of the tomb.
For some reason people feel the need to kiss the stone tomb and leave lipstick prints. Why?
I’m sure Oscar would be happy to know he is loved, but there must be another way to show this. Just stand in front of the tomb and send happy thoughts.