Over 25000 concessions once held nearly 90000 souls. This is the Cimeti`ere de Saint-Denis. A significant part of Saint-Denis history. Founded in 1806 it replaced earlier burial grounds. This cemetery is more than just a resting place.
The Cimeti`ere de Saint-Denis stands as a testament to the city’s past. It is located north of the city center. It’s bordered by the Boulevard de la Commune de Paris Avenue L’enine and Avenue Jean Moulin. The Vieille Mer river now runs beneath Rue Georges-Politzer.
This Parisian cemetery is noted for its diverse funerary monuments. It’s among the most diverse in the Parisian suburbs. The cemetery holds a war memorial for the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. You’ll also find sections for those who fell in the First World War. There are also plots dedicated to resistance fighters and AFN soldiers.
The Cimeti`ere de Saint-Denis has seen its share of change. Bombings during World War II damaged monuments and the curator’s house. Despite this the site has been used for film and music videos. Scenes from Myl`ene Farmer’s music video for “Plus grandir” were filmed here. Scenes for the film “La Journ’ee de la jupe” were also filmed there.
For many years the cemetery stopped granting new concessions. This was from 1977 to 2021. The Joncherolles intercommunal cemetery opened in 1977. This was to alleviate the problem. However new concessions are again being sold. This is in parallel with an effort to improve the north part of the cemetery.
Among those buried here are notable figures. There is the composer Pierre Degeyter known for the music of “The Internationale”. His tombstone features a hammer and sickle. The architect Gaston Cailleux an Olympic sailing medalist is also buried here. Several former mayors of Saint-Denis rest here. The list also includes many resistance fighters.
Today the Cimeti`ere de Saint-Denis continues to evolve. A Muslim section was opened in 2022. A columbarium for urns was added in 2023. The use of chemical products for maintaining the grounds is banned. This has improved the environment and aesthetics. The Cimeti`ere de Saint-Denis therefore remains a vibrant part of Saint-Denis. A place to reflect on the city’s rich history and its people.