Cimetière du Centre

Did you ever hear of a cemetery so grand, it rivals the Père Lachaise? Here at the Cimetière de l’Est, also known as the Cimetière du Centre, you’ll find just that. Cimetière de l’Est spans a vast 22 hectares. It houses 36,000 concessions, a testament to Lille’s rich past. Established in 1779 on the grounds of a verdant family park, the Cimetière de l’Est has preserved its tranquil, landscaped character. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. The Cimetière de l’Est is more than a final resting place. It is an outdoor museum, brimming with artistic and architectural treasures. As you wander through the Cimetière de l’Est, you’ll encounter the names of prominent figures who shaped Lille and France. Near the entrance, artists and musicians rest in peace. Their tombs and chapels are a testament to their creative spirits. Deeper within the cemetery lies Alexandre Desrousseaux, the composer of the beloved local anthem “P’tit Quinquin”. Not far from him rests Pierre Mauroy, former Prime Minister and mayor of Lille. The stadium that bears his name stands as a modern monument. Professor Oscar Lambret, founder of Lille’s Cancer Centre, is also buried here. He played a pivotal role in establishing the city’s hospital complex. Cimetière de l’Est also remembers Emile Vandenbergh, architect of the Hôtel Castiaux. Roger Salengro, a socialist minister praised by Léon Blum, also found his final rest here. The Cimetière de l’Est is a microcosm of Lille’s history. It reflects the city’s working-class roots and its strong socialist tradition. It also showcases the legacy of the city’s affluent, Catholic bourgeoisie, whose wealth stemmed from industries like textile mills. Observe the variety of sepulchres. Modest tombstones display elegant calligraphy. These stand alongside opulent monuments of Lille’s elite, adorned with busts, medallions, and statues. The Cimetière de l’Est is not just a place of mourning. It’s a celebration of lives lived, a place where stories continue to be told.