“They are gone but not forgotten.” These words linger as we stand before the Nécropole des Claous. This vast necropolis offers a unique insight into Marseille’s funerary history.
The Nécropole des Claous is part of a larger area. This area is known as the Nécropole des Vaudrans. The city acquired the land in 1971. However, it was not until May 26, 1976, that the Préfet authorized the construction of a large necropolis on the Vaudrans site.
Construction unfolded in three phases. The initial phase began on February 7, 1983. It transformed 12 hectares into a natural park. Concessions were laid out parallel to the hillside contours. The design intentionally broke away from the traditional urban cemetery’s grid layout. It addressed the increasing demand for cremation spaces at the time.
By 1987, the second phase commenced. It maintained the cemetery’s landscaping. This phase also considered the communal aspect of burial grounds.
Almost all spaces had been allocated by 1994. This prompted a decision to further expand the cemetery. The third phase was inaugurated on January 31, 2008. This expansion added 20.5 hectares. However, only 10 hectares were developed. They enriched the space with 650 trees, 2300 shrubs and 40000 square meters of lawn. The remaining area was preserved as natural woodland.
The goal was to minimize the visual impact. It also aimed to create 28 burial modules. These modules were designed to integrate into the site’s undulating terrain. Each module resembles a hamlet. It features its own shaded plaza. The concept emphasizes human-scale groupings.
Enclosed within vegetation, these micro-villages offer views. Some views extend to the sea or the Virgin of la Garde. She is the protective mother of Marseille. The views stretch from the Huveaune valley to Marseille’s harbor. This design respects the natural escarpment of the hillside.
The overall effect is that the complex blends into the rocky relief. No tomb rises above the crest line. Constructed zones contrast with largely untouched vegetated areas. Rosemary, arbutus, and cicadas evoke Provence.
This third phase aimed to meet the needs of Marseille’s population for the coming decade. All modules share an identical layout. Each vault can accommodate six places.
There are three architectural styles. There are traditional in-ground vaults with gravel pits. Semi-underground corner-type vaults are available. There are also above-ground vaults. Enfeus are added to these burials. These are blocks of three superimposed boxes.
Marseille’s port city status means it has a diverse population. It caters to different communities in life and death. The Vaudrans’ third phase includes dedicated areas. These areas are for Muslim and Israeli communities.
Square 27 is reserved for Jewish burials. It is enclosed by bamboo-themed walls. These walls respect the landscape integration. It provides 1332 spaces. These spaces are distributed across 222 vaults. Each vault can hold six burials. They are built on terraces planted with olive trees.
Squares 40 and 41 are dedicated to Muslim burials. They provide 622 spaces. These spaces are divided into 311 concessions of two places each. These squares are designed on flat surfaces. They are surrounded by natural vegetation. Olive tree plantations enhance them. Forecourts have been built. They allow for ceremonies. They integrate into the necropolis’s desired landscaping.
The Nécropole des Claous and Vaudrans embody respect for the deceased. It reflects Marseille’s diverse cultural tapestry.