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Living Next to the Dead Can Bring Out a Lot of Life!

Volume XXII, Issue 43

View of Paris from Père Lachaise Cemetary

By Jay Corless, edited by Adrian Leeds

Tomorrow is All Saints’ Day (Toussaint in France) when cemeteries in France come alive with a unique, respectful energy. Families gather to clean and decorate the graves with flowers—especially chrysanthemums—and light candles in remembrance, filling the grounds with warmth and life. This day is not just about personal losses, but also about celebrating the legacy of saints and loved ones. It’s a deeply rooted tradition that fosters a sense of respect and community bonding, bringing people together across generations and making you feel part of something larger.

With this day of commemoration in view, we are exploring France’s iconic cemeteries as All Saints’ Day approaches, bringing us into some of the country’s most unique and historic spaces. From Père Lachaise in Paris, where legends like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf rest, to Nice’s Cimetière du Château with its stunning views of the Mediterranean. These cemeteries are more than places of remembrance, they’re artful landscapes rich with culture, history, and serenity. Living nearby, you’re close to peaceful green spaces that serve as open-air museums, showcasing beautiful sculptures, intricate headstones, and lush plantings that make for a uniquely tranquil neighborhood atmosphere.

For property buyers, homes near cemeteries often offer surprising advantages. Thanks to lower demand, these areas are typically more affordable yet offer unique charms, such as quiet, low-traffic streets and no looming developments that might disrupt the scenery. For those who appreciate a calm and slightly unconventional environment, living near a cemetery can provide a deep sense of history and even pride in being part of a community that values its heritage. It’s an exciting opportunity to own a property with character and history at a great value.

AN URBAN OASIS OF SERENITY AND QUIET

Père Lachaise Cemetery, in the 20th arrondissement in Paris, isn´t just a resting place. It´s like a green, serene oasis in the bustling heart of the city-a true treasure for homeowners lucky enough to live nearby. Imagine living steps away from 44 hectares of winding paths, lush greenery, and historical tombs of icons like Oscar Wilde and Frédéric Chopin. It´s a peaceful escape from the city’s energy, offering an ambiance of calm that you don’t find in most neighborhoods. When the world around you is alive with the sound of Paris, you’ll discover a quieter side of life that brings tranquility to your doorstep.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery

For prospective homeowners, Père Lachaise provides the unique luxury of stillness-a rarity in a metropolis like Paris! There’s something genuinely comforting about knowing this iconic cemetery is your neighbor. It means no high-rise construction to break the skyline and no heavy traffic tearing through your street. Instead, you’re met with an uninterrupted horizon, a picturesque vista, and an air of history that feels grounding. This calm, punctuated by occasional birdsong and the rustling of leaves, is something special, like living next to an open-air museum, with daily reminders of Paris’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Aerial view of Père Lachaise

Aerial view of Père Lachaise

Let’s not forget the community that surrounds Père Lachaise. This neighborhood embraces this calm energy, with cozy cafes, bookshops, and neighborhood shops tucked into nearby streets, adding to its village-like charm. People here appreciate city access’s quiet charm and balance with an almost provincial lifestyle. It’s the ideal setting for anyone wanting to experience a vibrant Paris while still having a serene place to call home.

Apartment lined street across from a cemetery

ESCAPE TO GREEN SPACES AND ACCESS NATURE

Montmartre Cemetery (18th) is like a hidden garden tucked right into the heart of Paris’s artistic soul. Picture this: towering trees, ivy-covered statues, and winding paths leading past the final resting places of some of the city’s most outstanding creatives. Living near this verdant sanctuary means you have a natural escape outside your door, a rare slice of greenery in a lively urban setting. The atmosphere is absolute charm—quiet yet filled with the spirit of Montmartre’s bohemian history. You could say it’s almost like having your private park, with a dash of Parisian mystery.

Montmartre Cemetery

Montmartre Cemetery

Now, let’s stroll over to Montparnasse Cemetery (14th), where the greenery feels just as enchanting, though in a distinctly Left Bank style. Known as the place where luminaries like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir rest, Montparnasse is lush and peaceful, and it feels beautifully lived in with century-old trees that offer shade and calm even on the warmest Parisian days. The cemetery’s pathways are lined with flora that shifts with the seasons, giving you year-round access to a green haven in the middle of the city. It’s perfect for anyone craving nature’s touch and staying close to the cafes and culture of the Left Bank.

Montmartre and Montparnasse Cemeteries offer a lifestyle that harmonizes urban living with a connection to nature—something most city neighborhoods can’t provide. With these green spaces in your backyard, you can reflect, unwind, and feel Parisian history’s gentle, grounding energy. Living near these cemeteries isn’t just about location; it’s about embracing a peaceful, almost poetic way of life that keeps you connected to the city’s natural beauty and the rich tapestry of lives that have shaped it.

Apartment lined street across from a cemetery

AFFORDABILITY, LONGEVITY, AND STABILITY IN RURAL AREAS

Living near a place like the Normandy American Cemetery near the D-day beaches offers a genuinely unexpected perk—affordability without compromising on charm or beauty! Property neighboring these historic cemeteries in rural France can be absolute gems, often available at a price point well below those in more traditional settings. Many buyers overlook homes near cemeteries, so it’s a prime opportunity for anyone with an eye for value and a love for unique landscapes. Imagine stepping out into your backyard with rolling green views, perfectly landscaped by nature and history. You’re getting an incredible spot without the bustling price tag.

And let’s talk stability! Living near a landmark like the Normandy American Cemetery means your surroundings aren’t going to change any time soon. This cemetery is the final resting place for American soldiers who lost their lives during the D-Day invasion of World War II. It is a powerful memorial site, with rows of white crosses and Stars of David overlooking the English Channel, honoring those who fought in one of the war’s most significant battles.
These areas are protected and cherished for their historical significance. You’ll never have to worry about a significant new development obstructing your view or disrupting that peaceful countryside vibe. There’s a rare tranquility and consistency in this kind of neighborhood that’s priceless in the long term.

Normandy American Cemetery

Normandy American Cemetery

For anyone looking to invest in a rural property, especially one with that quintessential French charm, homes near cemeteries like the American Cemetery in Normandy offer a great deal and an elegant lifestyle steeped in history and natural beauty.

HERITAGE AND A HEIGHTENED SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The Cimetière du Château in Nice gives residents a sense of heritage woven into the neighborhood’s daily fabric. Perched on Castle Hill, this cemetery offers breathtaking views and a peaceful escape, holding the memory of influential figures who shaped Nice. Notably, the cemetery is home to the graves of Gaston Leroux—author of The Phantom of the Opera—and Rosa Chiarina Maggi—a well-loved artist’s muse. For locals, having this landmark nearby adds historical weight and a touch of elegance to the area, creating a uniquely serene community atmosphere.

Cimetière du Château in Nice

Cimetière du Château

In Cimiez, the cemetery near the famous monastery offers a different but equally compelling sense of history. As the final resting place of Henri Matisse, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Cimiez has become a symbol of the artistic spirit that permeates the area. Walking through Cimiez Cemetery, residents and visitors revere the creatives and thinkers who once called Nice home. This legacy fosters a community that treasures its artistic roots and maintains an air of quiet respect and inspiration.

Both cemeteries contribute to a shared sense of heritage and pride among locals, enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal. These resting places aren’t seen as mere graveyards but as integral, cherished landmarks connecting the living to Nice’s illustrious past.

Apartment lined street across from a cemetery

LIVING NEAR A CEMETERY CAN BE A PERK

With All Saints’ Day approaching, these cemeteries remind us of the importance of honoring history and the quiet beauty they bring to daily life in France. Since properties near the cemeteries often come at lower prices, and with the stability of minimal development, not only do they create a peaceful, scenic environment for homeowners, but put extra shekels in your pocket! So, consider living next to the dead to bring about an awful lot of life!

Contact us now if you wish to explore some of these possibilities in Paris, Nice, Normandy, or anywhere in France!

A bientôt,

Adrian Leeds with flowers at a cemetery in ParisAdrian Leeds
The Adrian Leeds Group®

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1 Comments

  1. Berkeley Fuller_Lewis on October 31, 2024 at 1:25 pm

    Bonjour Adrien,
    Here’s a brief “cemetery” story for you! In the late 1980s, I was visiting the beautiful and touching American Cemetery on the the North Normandy coast (which you mentioned). The bravery, pathos and human tragedy memorialized there was stunning. As I was contemplating that, a quite elderly couple quietly approached me. Shyly, the husband asked: “Vous êtes Americain?” I replied “Oui,” and they BOTH proceeded, quite tearfully, to say (in French): “We will never forget what you Americans did for us! THANK YOU.” Then we were showered with kisses. Wow. I love the French. That said it all about REAL “values.”

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