There is a hauntingly beautiful cemetery in Paris called Père Lachaise (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery), (https://pere-lachaise.com). It covers about 110 acres and is the largest cemetery in Paris. Père Lachaise is located in the 20th arrondissement in the northeast of Paris. Even though it’s quite large, the cemetery is surrounded by city apartment buildings. Walking through the cemetery is quite surreal. I find it quite calm even though filled with graves, sepulchers, and mausoleums. Many of the rich and famous are buried here. At the entrance there is a sign with a list of famous names and where they’re buried in the cemetery.
One of my favorite French singers, Édith Piaf, is interned there (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Édith_Piaf). She was a famous French singer from the mid-1900s who sang many recognized songs like La Vie en Rose and La Mer.
Throughout the cemetery the variety of grave sites are astounding. They range from the simple and understated to huge mausoleums. Napoleon founded Père Lachaise to be open to all Parisians regardless of ethnicity, social stratus, or religion. Since the cemetery is so large, there are many hills throughout with a lot of hiking to get around. It has a park-like feel with large trees and benches lining most of the paths. I highly recommend a visit.
After spending a beautiful afternoon in the cemetery, I jaunted over to Café Merlin for dinner, 151 Rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris, France. I ate their Merlin pizza (a white cheese pizza) and enjoyed their sugar crepes for dessert. They café menu has many dishes named after characters from Camelot. It’s quite fun and tasty. Overall, a fine afternoon of sun and mild temperatures (low-50s °F).
This weekend I also started teaching with Swing Cotton (http://swingcotton.com). I recommend you check out their website for classes in Paris with me as one of the instructors! I’m teaching introductory swing dance classes where you need no experience in dancing to get started.
My life in Paris continues to be filled with adventure and new experiences. Continue to follow me for more exciting episodes.
Until we dance in Paris…
Talenton 
Hi Brian, at last I’ve caught up with reading about all your adventures and some challenges. I’ve only been to Paris twice and that was awhile ago. I did venture off one day on the metro to Pere-Lachaise without my friend. What a great experience. Glad you’re in your happy place teaching, enjoying swing dancing and life in general in Paris.
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