About Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery
Allan Kardec was the pen name of Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail, a French educator who in 1857 published The Spirits' Book and codified Spiritism, a doctrine of reincarnation, moral progress and communication with spirits. His ideas found enormous following in Brazil, where Spiritism remains a significant religious movement. He died in Paris in 1869.
His tomb in Père Lachaise is built like a granite dolmen, with his bust and the motto that to be born, to die, to be reborn again and progress unceasingly is the law. It is constantly covered in flowers left by visitors, many of them Brazilian, who touch the stone and pray. The cemetery itself is a vast green city of the dead.
What to see
- Dolmen tomb of Allan Kardec
- Bronze bust and Spiritist motto
- Flowers left by pilgrims
- Tree lined paths of Père Lachaise
- Graves of Chopin, Molière and others
Visiting Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery: practical guide
- Best time
- Year round; 31 March for the anniversary of his death
- Hours
- Cemetery usually 8:00 to 17:30, longer in summer
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Respectful casual clothing
- Nearest airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 25 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- The tomb is in division 44 near the Avenue Circulaire
- Download a cemetery map before arriving
- Enter at the Père Lachaise metro gate
Festivals and special days
- Anniversary of Kardec's death (31 March)
- All Souls' Day (2 November)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Spiritism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Arrive quietly; Spiritist meetings value silence and concentration.
- Do not photograph mediumship sessions or healing passes.
- Services are free; donations should be voluntary.
- Dress simply and comfortably.
- Ask before participating in healing sessions.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery?
Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery is in Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe. GPS coordinates: 48.8590, 2.3925. The nearest airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), 25 km.
What is the best time to visit Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery?
Year round; 31 March for the anniversary of his death
Is there an entry fee for Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery?
Free Opening hours: Cemetery usually 8:00 to 17:30, longer in summer
What should I wear when visiting Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery?
Respectful casual clothing
Which religion is Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery sacred to?
Tomb of Allan Kardec, Père Lachaise Cemetery is sacred to Spiritism. Active place of worship.
