Last Updated on 14 October 2025 by Vanessa
The Montmartre Cemetery in Paris might just be the purr-fect destination for cat lovers in Paris. Here’s everything you need to know about the famous Montmartre Cemetery cats and the beautiful place they call home.
Related: The Ultimate Cat Enthusiasts’ Guide to Paris.
Let’s meet the Montmartre Cemetery cats
Did you know that approximately 50 cats live inside the Montmartre Cemetery in Paris?
These felines love the cemetery. You can often see them basking in the sun atop the gravestones and strolling amidst the tombs. Although some are also skilled at concealing themselves from passersby.
Chances are you won’t spot them immediately. But be patient and quiet, and eventually, you’ll see a cat pop up right in front of you.
But even if you don’t see any cats (though you probably will), Montmartre Cemetery is still worth a visit.
It’s one of the most atmospheric spots in Paris, and it’s also the final resting place of some of France’s most famous people.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the cemetery’s history, the most interesting graves to visit, and the hidden corners where you’re most likely to meet the local cats.
Plus, I’ll share a few tips to make your visit even better.
A short history of the Montmartre Cemetery in Paris
The Montmartre Cemetery opened in 1825 and quickly became a popular burial ground for Parisians of all classes.
In the early years, the cemetery was known for its ornate graves and elaborate memorials, which were often commissioned by wealthy families to honor their deceased loved ones.
Over time, the cemetery became the final resting place for a wide range of artists, writers, musicians, and other luminaries.
Is anyone famous buried at the Montmartre Cemetery?
Many of France’s most creative minds and cultural icons are buried at the Montmartre Cemetery. This makes it one of the most fascinating cemeteries in Paris to explore.
Here are ten of the most famous graves you can visit, and why each one is worth seeking out:
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- Edgar Degas: Painter and sculptor known for his ballet scenes. His simple grave features a bronze dancer sculpture.
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Painter and printmaker who captured Parisian nightlife. His grave is marked by a bust of himself.
- Hector Berlioz: Composer of Symphonie Fantastique. His grave includes a statue of the composer in a thoughtful pose.
- Émile Zola: Author of Germinal and defender in the Dreyfus Affair. His monument is engraved with, “He defended truth and justice.”
- François Truffaut: Filmmaker behind The 400 Blows and Jules and Jim. Visitors often leave film memorabilia on his grave.
- Adolphe Sax: Inventor of the saxophone. His grave features a sculpted saxophone.
- Jean-Paul Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir: Philosophers and writers known for their work on existentialism. Their adjoining graves are simple and often covered with flowers.
- Alexandre Dumas: Author of The Lady of the Camellias. His grave shows a woman holding a book.
- Stendhal (Marie-Henri Beyle): Author of The Red and the Black. His grave is marked by a plain tombstone inscribed with his name and birthplace.
Cats of Montmartre Cemetery
One of the most unique things about Montmartre Cemetery is its resident cat colony.
These Montmartre Cemetery cats have lived among the graves for decades, and they are now part of the cemetery’s quiet rhythm.
They’ve found a perfect home here—peaceful, green, and far from the city noise.
You’ll spot them stretched out on warm tombstones, weaving between monuments, or slipping into the bushes when they’ve had enough attention from you.
Locals say the cats help keep the grounds in balance by controlling the rodent population and protecting the sculptures from damage. Some people even bring food or water to care for them.
Who takes care of the cemetery cats?
If you spend some time at the Montmartre Cemetery, you’ll probably notice that the cats here aren’t 100% stray.
They’re cared for by a local volunteer group called L’École du Chat du Paris 18ᵉ. They are part of a larger French network that protects and manages free-roaming cats across the country.
The group started back in the late 1970s when the cemetery was teeming with cats—all of them unspayed, unvaccinated, and unregistered. Cemetery staff and city health officials struggled to keep up.
By 1977, the city stepped in with a major operation to capture the cats, send them to the pound, and euthanize every single cat that didn’t have an owner.
Locals stepped in to stop that from happening. They wanted the cats to stay in the place they’d made their home, so they created a system to care for them properly.
Today, volunteers visit the cemetery regularly to feed the cats and make sure they’re healthy.
Every cat has been sterilized and identified, which helps keep the population stable and recognized by the city as “free cats,” not strays.
The volunteers also keep an eye out for injuries or illnesses and take cats to the vet when needed.
Small shelters around the cemetery give them safe spots to rest, especially during the colder months.
This quiet care routine has kept the Montmartre Cemetery cats thriving for decades.
Visitors often leave food or water, but the real work happens behind the scenes.
It’s a simple, steady effort that makes Montmartre feel even more alive.
Can you adopt a Montmartre Cemetery cat?
Technically, yes. If you’re interested in adopting one, you can contact L’École du Chat du Paris 18ᵉ (the organization that cares for the Montmartre Cemetery cats). They can provide information on whether any cats are suitable for adoption and guide you through the process.
However, it’s important to know that these cats have adapted to life in the cemetery, and they are quite happy where they are.
📍 If you’re thinking about rescuing a cat, you can check out this ultimate guide to cat cafés in France. Many feature former strays available for adoption or partner directly with local shelters.
Tips for interacting with the cemetery cats
The cemetery cats are usually quite friendly and will often come up to visitors to say hello.
Nevertheless, here are some general tips for luring and interacting with the stray cats of Montmartre Cemetery:
Patience and observation
Spend some time observing the cats from a distance to understand their behavior and habits. Take note of their preferred resting spots before interacting with them.
Food and treats
You can always lure cats with food. You can bring along some cat-friendly treats, but don’t forget that these cats are already being care for. Only give small amounts to avoid overfeeding.
Gentle approach
Approach the cats slowly and quietly. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises because these may startle them. Give the cats space, and allow them to approach you on their terms.
Non-threatening body language
Crouch down or sit on the ground to appear less intimidating. Avoid direct eye contact, as it can be seen as a challenge. Extend your hand palm down, and let the cat approach and sniff you first.
Respect boundaries
Some cats may be more cautious or less inclined to interact. Respect their boundaries, and do not force interactions. Allow them to come to you only if they feel comfortable.
Soft voice and gentle touch
Speak softly and in a soothing tone. Once the cat shows signs of trust, you can attempt gentle petting under the chin or along the back. Avoid areas that may make them uncomfortable, such as their belly or tail.
Do not disturb them if they are napping or relaxing
Cats, especially free cats, appreciate having their personal space. If you come across a cat that is sleeping or relaxing, it’s best to give them the privacy and tranquility they need.
Practical information
Address
Montmartre Cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre), 20 Avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris, France.
Opening hours
- Monday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Tuesday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Wednesday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Thursday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Friday: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed.
- Sunday: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entrance fee
There is no entrance fee to visit Montmartre Cemetery in Paris.
How to get to the Montmartre Cemetery in Paris?
To get to Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, you can consider the following transportation options:
- Metro: The nearest metro station to Montmartre Cemetery is “Blanche” on Line 2. From there, it’s only a short walk to the cemetery.
- Bus: Several bus lines serve the area near Montmartre Cemetery, including lines 30, 54, 74, 80, and 95.
Where else can I find cats in Paris?
Paris isn’t just for croissants and museums. It’s also for cat lovers. Here are some of my favorite cat-friendly spots in Paris:
- Le Café des Chats: This cat café in the Marais neighborhood lets you enjoy drinks and pastries while cats wander freely around
- Le Chat Mallows: Another cat café in Paris. This one is only a short walk from Canal Saint-Martin.
- Hotel Le Bristol: One of Paris’s most iconic luxury hotels, Le Bristol is also home to a Birman cat named Fa-Raon.
- Animalerie du Pont Neuf: This pet store near Pont Neuf has several feline employees to help you make the perfect purchase.
- Shakespeare & Company: This historic English-language bookstore on the Left Bank has a long tradition of resident cats.
- Rue Crémieux: This tiny pedestrian street is famous for its colorful houses. Cats can often be seen lounging in doorways or chasing shadows across the cobblestones.
Which other cemeteries are famous for their cats?
Several other cemeteries around the world have gained recognition for their cat populations. You can find them all in my article 12 famous cemeteries that are home to more cats than spirits.
Here are just a few of them:
- Highgate Cemetery – London, England
- Campo Verano Catholic Cemetery – Rome, Italy
- San Sebastià Cemetery – Sitges, Spain
- Montevideo Cemetery – Montevideo, Uruguay
- Yanaka Cemetery – Tokyo, Japan
- Aoyama Cemetery – Tokyo, Japan
- Numazu Cemetery – Numazu, Japan
- Begraafplaats Groenesteeg – Leiden, Netherlands
- Recoleta Cemetery – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Final thoughts
Have you ever been to a cemetery that had a lot of cats? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
And if you enjoyed this article about the Montmartre Cemetery cats, feel free to share it with your cat-loving friends and on social media.
Montmartre Cemetery cat pictures by Sobi.
English version / version française
