Jean-François Champollion

The tomb of Jean-François Champollion, at Père-Lachaise

The tomb of Jean-François Champollion, the decipherer of the hieroglyphs, rests in the heart of Père-Lachaise. The Père-Lachaise audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke the father of Egyptology.

The father of Egyptology

Born on 23 December 1790 in Figeac, Jean-François Champollion was a scholar and linguist of genius, considered the father of Egyptology. By succeeding in deciphering the hieroglyphs, notably thanks to the Rosetta Stone, he opened the doors of the civilisation of ancient Egypt. His tomb, topped with an obelisk evoking Egypt, at Père-Lachaise, honours the memory of this researcher who revolutionised the knowledge of the ancient world.

What to see

Here you discover the grave of Jean-François Champollion, topped with an obelisk evoking Egypt, in an atmosphere of contemplation, in the heart of Père-Lachaise. The place pays tribute to the decipherer of the hieroglyphs. It is a stop for lovers of history and sciences, to be walked with respect.

Practical information

The tomb of Jean-François Champollion lies within the Père-Lachaise cemetery, in the twentieth arrondissement of Paris, reachable on foot. The cemetery is a public place whose access is generally free, during opening hours that vary with the season; maps help to locate the graves. It is a place of contemplation: it is best to behave there with calm and respect.

Who was Jean-François Champollion?

A French scholar and linguist, born in 1790, father of Egyptology, who deciphered the hieroglyphs thanks notably to the Rosetta Stone.

Where is the tomb of Jean-François Champollion?

Within the Père-Lachaise cemetery, in the twentieth arrondissement of Paris.