In 1823, a new resting place emerged in Lyon. It was the Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse. This cemetery, designed by Paul Chenavard, became the final address for many notable figures. The Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse is more than just a cemetery. It’s a storybook of Lyon’s past.
The Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse occupies a unique space in Lyon’s history. Established in 1823, it served the independent commune of Croix-Rousse before it became part of Lyon in 1852. The cemetery walls, running along Rue Philippe de Lassalle and Rue d’Ypres, enclose a tranquil world. Inside, magnolias shade the main pathways. These paved avenues are intersected by smaller grass and gravel paths. This creates a serene grid pattern, particularly in the southern section. The northern part features a more irregular layout. The entrance stands between an office and a former guardhouse. Two intriguing “larvae” sculptures, similar to those at the Gallo-Roman Museum, flank the entrance gate.
The Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse holds the remains of individuals who shaped Lyon. Many of those buried here have streets named after them in Lyon. This includes Commandant Arnaud, Désiré Barodet, Valentin Couturier, Marius and René Dejean, Pierre Dupont, Marie Thé Mora, Anthelme Rochaix, and Marcel Teppaz. The Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse also offers a glimpse into broader French history. For example, chef Alain Chapel, who greatly influenced French cuisine, is buried here. Though he died in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in 1990, his Lyon roots and profound culinary impact are recognized in his final resting place at the Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse.
A visit to the Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse is not just a walk among tombstones. It’s a journey through Lyon’s past. The stories etched in stone whisper of the city’s rich history and its vibrant community. This cemetery reminds us that every life, whether famous or ordinary, contributes to the tapestry of a city. The Ancien Cimetière de la Croix-Rousse serves as a poignant reminder of lives lived and legacies left behind.