Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin

One grave. That’s what initially drew me to the Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin. Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin is more than just its singular recorded grave. It’s a sprawling 35-hectare landscape designed by the renowned architect Robert Auzelle. Originally intended for a location in Créteil, the project was relocated to its present site in Valenton after a government decision. This Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin opened in stages between 1973 and 1976. It became a testament to changing times, featuring a crematorium, traditional burial spaces, landscaped areas, and even a dedicated garden of remembrance. It is managed by a collective of communes, including Bonneuil-sur-Marne, Charenton-le-Pont, Créteil, Joinville, Maisons-Alfort, Nogent-sur-Marne, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, and Saint-Maurice. Interestingly, the Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin houses monumental sculptures by Pierre Székely at its entrance, depicting “The Ages of Life”. Within the ceremony area, Pierre Sabatier, who also collaborated with Auzelle, designed the evocative screens “The Tree of Life” and “The Cosmos”. Despite its size and facilities, the cemetery receives a relatively small number of interments annually, around 400. This allows for large open spaces and a unique collaboration with a cereal farmer and equestrian center, who maintain the meadows by transforming the grass into hay. Although some have criticized its starkness, a significant tree-planting initiative is underway to soften the landscape. This will hopefully enhance the tranquil atmosphere. This Cimetière de la Fontaine Saint-Martin is a place where history, art, and nature intertwine, offering a space for remembrance and reflection, far beyond the single recorded grave that first captured my attention.