5 Famous Graves of Foreigners to Visit in France (You Might Not Know About) — From Jim Morrison to Josephine Baker

When most people dream of visiting France, they picture the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or sipping a café au lait on the terrace of a charming café. But one lesser-known pastime often goes overlooked: exploring France’s beautiful, historic cemeteries, home to some of the most famous graves in the world.

In fact, strolling through cemeteries is a beloved weekend ritual for many Parisians. Locals wander among the graves of legendary musicians, writers, artists and history-makers, paying their respects and reconnecting with the stories of those who shaped the culture. 

Curious who these graves belong to yet?

Here are five famous people you might not know are buried in France and where to find them.

1. Jim Morrison – Cimetière du Père-Lachaise- Paris

One of the most famous members of the “27 Club” — a group of iconic musicians who died at the age of 27 — Jim Morrison was the charismatic lead singer of The Doors. Known for his poetic lyrics and psychedelic rock, Morrison moved to Paris in 1971 with his girlfriend, hoping to escape the struggles and fame that followed him in the United States. Sadly, it was in Paris that his life came to a sudden end. While his death was officially ruled as congestive heart failure, it has long been rumored to have involved a drug overdose.

Despite his short life, Morrison’s influence on music and counterculture endures. Each year on the anniversary of his death, July 3, fans from around the world gather at his simple gravesite in the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise to honor his memory. However, the cemetery itself is worth exploring, as it’s the final resting place of over 40 French singers and countless other artists and thinkers who shaped history.

2. Josephine Baker -Monaco 

Cenotaph in the Pantheon Paris since 2021

If the name Josephine Baker doesn’t ring an immediate bell, her iconic banana skit performance just might:

One of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century, Josephine Baker was an American-born dancer, singer and actress who found her greatest fame in France. Known for her captivating stage presence, she rose to stardom in 1920s Paris, where her bold performances broke barriers of race and gender. But Baker’s story did not end on the stage. During World War II, she risked her life as a rumored spy for the French Resistance, using her celebrity status to fight for freedom. 

Baker’s contributions to both culture and human rights earned her a rare and historic honor. In 2021, she was reburied in the Panthéon, the final resting place of France’s most revered citizens. Visitors today come to pay tribute to her extraordinary life, one that blended courage and a deep love for her adopted country.

3. Mary Cassatt - Le Mesnil-Théribus

Another American to have left her mark on France was Mary Cassatt, arguably the most famous American woman impressionist painter. However, her legacy goes far beyond her beloved works, including Little Girl in a Blue Armchair and The Boating Party. She also was one of the key figures in bringing Impressionism to the United States, both by exhibiting her work and advising American collectors. 

Spending most of her adult life in France, Cassatt became a prominent figure in the heart of Paris impressionism, befriending fellow peers like Edgar Degas. She died in 1926 after suffering from diabetes and eyesight failureand is buried in the family vault at Le Mesnil-Théribus, France. 

4. Vincent van Gogh – Auvers-sur-Oise 

Vincent van Gogh doesn’t need an introduction, as he has cemented himself as one of the most influential artists to have ever lived. While many know of the mental health struggles he faced during most of his life, Vincent van Gogh spent his final months in the quiet village of Auvers-sur-Oise, just north of Paris. In fact, it was here that he painted some of his most powerful works, capturing the wheat fields and skies that surrounded him. Van Gogh died in 1890 after losing his fight to mental illness, and he was laid to rest in the village cemetery.

Beside him lies his younger brother Theo, who supported him emotionally and financially throughout his life. Today, visitors leave sunflowers and paintbrushes at their graves, honoring the artist whose bold brushstrokes gave the world masterpieces like Starry Night and Sunflowers.

5. Pablo Picasso – Vauvenargues, near Aix-en-Provence

One of the most groundbreaking artists of the 20th century, Spanish-born Pablo Picasso spent his later years living and working in the south of France. He purchased the Château de Vauvenargues, a quiet estate near Aix-en-Provence, where he found inspiration in the peaceful landscape. Picasso passed away in 1973 and was buried on the château grounds, far from the crowded galleries and city streets where his art once shocked and amazed the world.

Visitors to Vauvenargues can reflect on his legacy surrounded by olive trees and sun-drenched hills, not far from the places that inspired some of his greatest works, including the powerful painting Guernica.

Learn French and Discover More of France's Hidden Gems

Many French citizens don’t see visiting these famous cemeteries and burial sites as a somber activity. Instead, it is a meaningful way to relive the art, music and writing of some of the world’s most influential figures.

On your next trip to France, consider paying tribute to these remarkable artists — and countless others — who found their final resting place here.

If you want to uncover more hidden stories like this while improving your language skills, book a personalized French class today at FrenchFromHome.org. Learn French online with expert tutoring and start preparing for your next adventure in France with our immersion sojourn in Paris in August 2026! Stay posted!