One Hour Père Lachaise Cemetery: A Self-guided Audio Tour

When it comes to exploring Paris’s most famous cemetery, Père Lachaise, there’s no shortage of options. We recently looked into a self-guided audio tour that promises an engaging, humorous take on this vast outdoor museum. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the details suggest it’s a fun way to learn about some of the most iconic names buried there, like Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Modigliani, all at an accessible price.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s GPS-triggered and designed to be hands-free, so you can enjoy a relaxed walk without constantly looking at your phone. Second, it’s narrated by a local author who adds theatrical flair, sound effects, and even music clips, making the experience feel lively and personal. The downside? Some users feel it’s a bit superficial and skips over some important graves or memorials, which could be frustrating if you’re seeking a comprehensive guide.

This tour seems best suited for visitors who enjoy a casual, entertaining walk, and don’t mind filling in some gaps with their own research or exploration. If you’re after an immersive, in-depth history or planning to visit specific graves like Chopin or Jim Morrison, you might find it lacking. But if a light, amusing overview sounds good, this could be a nice addition to your Père Lachaise visit.

Key Points

• Affordable and Convenient: At just $8.99, it offers good value for a guided experience that you can do anytime.
• GPS-Guided Ease: The use of GPS ensures you stay on route, even with a large cemetery to navigate.
• Entertaining Content: The narration mixes storytelling, humor, sound effects, and music for an engaging experience.
• Limited Depth: Some reviews mention the tour feels superficial and skips notable graves, so don’t rely solely on it for full historical context.
• Flexible Timing: You can start whenever you want, and the audio plays offline, making it ideal for last-minute plans.
• Not Inclusive of Entry Fees or Transport: Remember, you need your own smartphone, transportation, and tickets for any other attractions.

What to Expect from the Tour

This self-guided audio journey covers about a third of Père Lachaise’s sprawling 44 hectares, focusing on a selection of notable graves and memorials. Starting at 56 Rue des Rondeaux, you’ll be guided through a route designed to highlight some of the most famous personalities buried here, including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Modigliani, and Sarah Bernhardt, among others.

What’s Included and How It Works

You’ll receive lifetime access to the tour, along with the VoiceMap app, which operates offline once downloaded. This means no worries about losing internet or running out of data while exploring the cemetery. The GPS feature ensures the narration triggers precisely when you reach each site, adding an element of surprise and immersion. It’s a nice touch that keeps you engaged without the need for a paper map or constant navigation.

The Route and Key Stops

The tour’s route covers approximately one-third of the cemetery. You’ll pass graves of legendary figures like Beaumarchais and Victor Noir, along with a few surprises—possibly even a dragon—adding a playful touch. The narrative includes stories of political intrigue, forbidden love, and even sex, which keeps things lively for those interested in the more scandalous or dramatic aspects of these icons’ lives.

Several reviewers enjoyed the way the GPS-guided narration allowed them to take lesser-known paths and explore hidden corners they might never stumble upon on their own. One person noted, “We took little hidden paths which we would never have found otherwise,” which is a real plus for anyone who loves wandering off the beaten track.

The Content and Stories

The commentary aims to bring the personalities buried here back to life with theatrical representations, citations, sound effects, and music clips. According to reviews, the tone’s playful and lighthearted, making the experience fun rather than overly serious. However, some users felt that the stories were superficial or that important graves, like Chopin’s, were omitted, leading to a sense that the tour could be more comprehensive.

One reviewer pointed out, “Very superficial tour with boring jokes and strange choices of visited graves,” noting that some significant memorials, particularly Holocaust victims, are missing. This highlights the trade-off between entertainment and depth — a common challenge for self-guided, narrative-driven tours.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Positives

Ease of Use: The app’s GPS triggers mean you don’t have to fuss over directions or carry a map. Many users appreciated how simple it was to start the tour and follow along at their own pace. One reviewer said, “Very easy to use, had just the right amount of information,” which is exactly what you want for a relaxed stroll.

Entertainment Factor: The theatrical narration, jokes, sound effects, and clips add personality to the experience. If you’re someone who enjoys a little humor mixed into educational content, you’ll likely find this tour charming.

Good Value: At under $10, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a guided experience, especially if you prefer exploring independently but want some storytelling to enrich your visit.

The Drawbacks

Superficial Coverage: Several reviews mention that the tour skips over some important graves or memorials, providing only a snapshot of Père Lachaise’s vast offerings. If you’re a history buff or a fan of specific icons, you might find it insufficient.

Navigation and Route Limitations: Some users found that the tour’s set route doesn’t always match the graves they wanted to see, leading to extra walking or confusion. For example, one person had to walk for nearly half an hour to find Isadora Duncan’s grave, which wasn’t included in the tour route. The feedback suggests that clearer instructions or multiple route options could improve the experience.

Limited Context for Deep Visitors: If your goal is to understand the full story behind each tomb or memorial, this tour might leave you wanting more detail. It’s more of an entertaining overview than an in-depth guide.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a light, fun, and flexible way to experience Père Lachaise without committing to a more formal guided tour. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy storytelling, music, and theatrical narration, and don’t mind supplementing the experience with their own research on specific graves.

If you’re traveling solo or with a small group and prefer exploring at your own pace, the offline accessibility is a big plus. However, if you’re after a comprehensive, detailed guide, or aim to see specific graves like Chopin or Jim Morrison, you might prefer supplementing this tour with a map or a different guide.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this self-guided audio tour provides a cost-effective, entertaining way to get a taste of Père Lachaise’s famous residents. Its GPS-guided narration ensures you stay on route, and the theatrical storytelling makes for an engaging walk. However, its superficial coverage and occasional route limitations mean it’s best suited for those looking for a fun overview rather than an exhaustive exploration.

For history enthusiasts or grave-hunters, it might feel a bit limited. But for casual visitors who want to learn a few stories, enjoy some humor, and avoid aimless wandering, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a solid choice if you’re okay with filling in some gaps on your own.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is mostly a walking experience through a cemetery, so children who are comfortable walking and interested in stories about famous personalities might enjoy it. However, it’s not specifically designed for kids, and some stories involve mature themes.

Do I need a smartphone or any special equipment?
Yes, you’ll need your own smartphone to download the VoiceMap app and access the tour. The app works offline once downloaded, so no internet connection is required during your walk.

Are there any additional costs involved?
You’ll pay for the tour itself ($8.99), but you’ll need to cover your transportation to and from Père Lachaise, any entry fees for other sites, or food and drinks.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, but you can take longer if you want to linger at certain graves or explore additional paths.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is ready whenever you are. It’s designed for flexible start times, so you can fit it into your schedule easily.

What if I get lost or want to stop?
Since the app is GPS-guided and offline, it should keep you on route. Feel free to pause or restart as needed — the narration will play automatically when you reach each point.

Is this a full tour of Père Lachaise?
No, it covers about a third of the cemetery and focuses on selected graves and stories. For a broader visit, consider supplementing with a map or additional guides.

In summary, this Père Lachaise self-guided audio tour offers a pleasant, affordable way to experience some of Paris’s most storied graves with humor and ease. It’s particularly suited for casual explorers who want to enjoy the cemetery’s highlights without the constraints of scheduled tours. If you’re okay with a bit of superficial coverage and some extra walking, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Paris adventure.