Haven’t you wondered about the stories whispered among the trees of Cimetiere du Bois des Petits? This cemetery stands as one of Paris’s twenty cemeteries. Some are inside the city and some outside. Cimetiere du Bois des Petits offers a place for reflection.
Paris long interred its residents within churchyards. These spots surrounded the city’s numerous churches. By the late 18th century, these small cemeteries became overcrowded. They were considered unsanitary. Modernity demanded change. The large cemetery of the Innocents was also closed. It sat in the heart of the capital near Les Halles. Remains moved to the catacombs. Three major necropolises arose outside city limits. These were the cemeteries of Pere-Lachaise Montparnasse and Montmartre.
In 1860, Paris expanded. It annexed nearby towns. This expansion included those three large cemeteries plus twelve village cemeteries. These villages included Belleville and Charonne. Other smaller cemeteries near Paris’s gates opened between 1860 and 1929.
The growing Parisian population led to more individual concessions. This again prompted the city to create large cemeteries outside its walls. Space was limited within. These became the five large extra-muros cemeteries we know today. They are in Saint-Ouen Pantin Ivry Bagneux and Thiais.
Interestingly some cemeteries within Paris do not belong to the city. Examples include the communal cemeteries of Gentilly near the Charlety stadium. Another is Montrouge at the Porte d’Orleans.
Sepulchers within Parisian cemeteries are privately owned by families. Only after expiration do they enter public municipal domain. This occurs if their duration is limited. Or, if perpetual, in cases of clear abandonment by the owner.
Paris actively conserves and restores its most emblematic sepulchers. Some funerary works possess significant cultural historical artistic or architectural value. They are protected as historical monuments.
Parisian cemeteries offer green spaces appreciated by walkers. They value the diversity of natural and architectural heritage. Each cemetery has unique features. Pantin is France’s largest cemetery with planted walkways. Thiais showcases 1930s architecture opening onto a French garden with fruit trees. Bagneux has lush vegetation sheltering birds and squirrels.
These large green spaces provide refuge for wild fauna and flora. Animals find homes away from the city’s bustle. Hedgehogs owls and even foxes reside in these cemeteries.
The cemeteries cover 422 hectares. Seventy-three hectares are green spaces. There are 634000 concessions over 100 kilometers of roads and over 150 buildings.
The city reminds visitors that cemeteries are places for families to remember loved ones. Funerals occur daily. Visitors should respect quietness and cleanliness. Leisure activities and picnics are inappropriate.
The Cimetiere du Bois des Petits stands as a reminder. It is a place of history and natural beauty. Remember to respect this space. It provides solace for many.