The Cemetery I – Cimetière du Père-Lachaise – Paris I

In its early years Père Lachaise" was a poor district, with many outlaws, winding streets and shady avenues. It is located on the hill of Champ 'Evêque", where a wealthy merchant first built his home in 1430. In the 17th century the Jésuits, acquired the home and converted it into a hospice for members of their order.

Father François de La Chaise d'Aix - known as 'Le Père La Chaise' was Louis XIV's confessor. Louis XIV’s had visited the area in 1652, and it was thereafter called Mont-Louis. By the time Le Père La Chaise died in 1709, the property had been considerably expanded due to royal gifts. Count La Chaise, head of the king's bodyguard, also had a place on Mont-Louis, which was known for its opulent parties with guests who wanted to get to know the king's confessor better; in order to meet the king.

In 1763 the Jesuits were evicted and the Baron family purchased the property in 1771. The property was destroyed in the Revolution and the Empire, which followed. The 17 acres became the property of the Ville de Paris. The city was looking for new cemetery locations and Brongniart the architect got the Père-Lachaise job, which was ready for its opening on 21. May.

The Paris government had decided to clear out the cemeteries located near churches in the city and Père Lachaise was chosen for those formerly buried in the 5th, 7th and 8th arrondissements