If you’re a writer or a flâneur, then a trip to Paris is a must.
Not only is the city full of iconic landmarks and beautiful scenery, but it’s also home to some important gravesites. One of these is the final resting place of Charles Baudelaire, one of the most important poets of the 19th century. If you’re interested in literary history, pay a visit to his grave and experience his legacy firsthand.
📜 A Brief History of Charles Baudelaire
Charles Baudelaire was born in Paris in 1821. He was a French poet, translator, and critic who is best known for his collection of poetry Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil), which was published in 1857.
Baudelaire’s poetry is often dark and melancholic, and it reflects the tensions that existed in France during the 19th century between tradition and modernity. In addition to his poetry, Baudelaire also translated works by Edgar Allan Poe into French and wrote critical essays on various aspects of art and culture.
Baudelaire died in Paris in 1867.
Charles Baudelaire
- Born: April 9, 1821
- Died: August 31, 1867
- Place of Burial: Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris France
🧭 Location of Charles Baudelaire’s Grave
Montparnasse Cemetery
The Montparnasse Cemetery is the second largest necropolis in Paris, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. It’s located on the edge of the Montparnasse district, and it was founded in 1824.
The cemetery is known for its Art Nouveau gravestones, and many famous artists and writers are buried there, including Charles Baudelaire, Guy de Maupassant, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Charles Garnier.
Consider it a haven of peace at the heart of one of the liveliest districts in Paris.
Map
Entrances
Main Entrance: 3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet
Other Entrances:
- Rue Émile Richard (Near the intersection of Boulevard Raspail and Boulevard Edgar Quinet)
- Rue Froidevaux (Near Place Denfert-Rochereau)
- 89 Avenue du Maine
Nearest Metro Stations
- Edgar Quinet (Line 6)
- Raspail (Lines 4 & 6)
- Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4 & 6, RER B)
- Gaîté (Line 13)
Opening Times
From November 6th to March 15th:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Sundays and bank holidays: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
From 16th March to 5th November:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Sundays and bank holidays: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Note: There are no more admissions to the cemetery within 15 minutes of closing time.
Charles Baudelaire’s Grave
- Plot: Division 6
- Memorial ID: 66
🎗️ REMINDER
When visiting the cemetery, you are in a place of mourning. Respect the dead as well as their families and other visitors by observing silence and maintaining decent behavior. Always give way to families who are there to visit loved ones.
📍 Checkpoints
Here are a few of the checkpoints you will stumble upon along your journey of visiting Charles Baudelaire’s grave:
Cenotaph of Charles Baudelaire
The cenotaph of Charles Baudelaire in Paris is a beautiful, solemn memorial to one of the world’s most beloved poets. Designed by the sculptor José de Charmoy and inaugurated in 1902, the cenotaph features a bust of Baudelaire on a pedestal.
Carved from white marble, the monument shows Baudelaire in a thoughtful pose, his head bowed in contemplation over his corpse laying below.
Grave of Charles Baudelaire
Charles Baudelaire’s grave is located in Division 6, in the northwestern section of the cemetery. It is a simple, unadorned headstone that has his name etched in the middle among other names. You’ll be able to identify it
If you’re coming from the main entrance, you can turn right at the first street then turn left when you hit the end. The gravesite is on the left hand side just past the first intersecting boulevard.
The grave often is covered in flowers, coins and other offerings from fans of his work and you will also notice lipstick kiss marks on the tombstone.
💭 Charles Baudelaire Quotes to Ponder
Here are some impactful Charles Baudelaire quotes to ponder while you visit:
“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.”
Charles Baudelaire
“Extract the eternal from the ephemeral.”
Charles Baudelaire
“I am a cemetery by the moon unblessed.”
Charles Baudelaire
Parting Words
Charles Baudelaire is one of the most famous poets in history. His work has been studied and admired by people for centuries. If you’re ever in Paris, it’s worth taking a moment to visit his grave and remember the legacy he left behind.
What do you think of his poetry? What do you best remember him by? Share in the comments below.
Baudelaire no está ahí.
While in Paris, also visit the statue of Baudelaire in the Luxembourg Garden.
Thanks Dan, am actually going to update the article and add this in as I agree that any follower of Baudelaire’s work also needs visit the statue (and Luxembourg Garden)!