Somehow dozens of people strolling around with cameras in hand and tourist maps being handed
out at the entrance, just seems very weird in a cemetery. Especially when there are more recent
graves and actual grieving families thrown into the mix of illustrious Parisian statesmen and famous
people buried here. But this is the world's most visited cemetery, and this is Paris, where everything
is a beautiful cliché and even the sacred becomes decadently profane. Some of the famous graves
we saw:
Jim Morrison, definitely the biggest draw, has his own security guard to keep "fans" from further
desecrating his grave. They've already filled the area with cigarette butts and stolen the bust from it.
Oscar Wilde, a close second. All kissed up, including a lovely patriotic 'Viva Mexico' (?) scrawled
across his tomb.
Edith Piaf, the loveliest with a touching inscription: God reunites those who love each other.
Chopin, striking contrast between the white grave monument and perpetual gifts of fresh flowers.
Abelard and Heloise, under restoration, but together after centuries of separation.
Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, modest with domino pieces adorning it.
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