At a glance
Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.
Coco Chanel’s grave
Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971) revolutionised women’s fashion in the 20th century. After the Second World War she spent long periods in Switzerland, especially in Lausanne, which she loved. When she died in Paris in January 1971, she was buried at her wish in the Bois-de-Vaux cemetery.
Her grave is sober and elegant: a white stone with five lion heads — the lion for her zodiac sign, Leo, and five, her lucky number, famous through Chanel N°5. Admirers from around the world still leave white flowers there.
Key dates
- 1883
Gabrielle Chanel is born in Saumur, France.
- 1921
Launch of the perfume Chanel N°5.
- After 1945
Long stays in Switzerland, notably in Lausanne.
- January 1971
Death in Paris; burial in Lausanne at Bois-de-Vaux.
Other famous graves
The Bois-de-Vaux cemetery is also the resting place of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, of Paul Robert, author of the “Petit Robert” dictionary, of the conductor Victor Desarzens and of the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who restored Lausanne Cathedral.
Its terraces, hedges and alleys make it a true landscaped garden: walk slowly and respect the quiet of the place.
Did you know?
Plan your visit
Getting there
- Bus 25, stop Bois-de-Vaux.
- Bus 1 or 6, stop Maladière, then a short walk.
- About 15 minutes on foot from Ouchy along the lake.
Our tips
- Ask at the entrance for the location of the grave.
- Combine with the Roman Museum of Vidy, on the same street.
- Please behave discreetly: this is an active cemetery.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Coco Chanel buried?
In the Bois-de-Vaux cemetery in Lausanne, near Vidy.
Why is she buried in Lausanne?
She spent long periods in Switzerland after the war and loved Lausanne, where she chose to rest.
What do the five lions mean?
The lion recalls her zodiac sign, Leo; five was her lucky number.
Who else is buried there?
Pierre de Coubertin, Paul Robert, Victor Desarzens and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, among others.
How do I get there?
Bus 25 to Bois-de-Vaux, or buses 1 and 6 to Maladière.
Official sources
VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.