Lost in time, the stories of the departed echo within these walls. Welcome to the Cimetière ancien de Montreuil. It opened on March 28, 1826. It replaced the church cemetery which had become too small. The Cimetière ancien de Montreuil has been municipal property since 1904.
Let us wander through this historic ground. We will discover stories etched in stone. The Cimetière ancien de Montreuil holds more than just graves. It holds memories of a community. This is a community that has grown and changed over centuries.
Notice the mausoleum dedicated to soldiers. They died during the war of 1870 to 1871. A monumental wall rises. It is surmounted by a winged victory. This honors victims of World War I. It is also dedicated to those who died in later wars. These include World War II, Indochina, and Algeria. There is also a section for civilian victims of the 1939 to 1945 war.
The Cimetière ancien de Montreuil tells the history of Montreuil. The graves reflect its artisans, arboriculturists, and industrial past. The expansion of the cemetery shows the waves of migration. The Malian and Roma communities are represented.
Here lies Luc Barney. He was a singer of operettas. He performed alongside legends like Piaf. He even had an affair with her. Barney also appeared in films. He was known for his comedic roles.
See the grave of Georges Bourgeot. He was a master glassmaker. His art nouveau work was exquisite. The bronze bust atop his grave honors his father.
The first wife of Georges Méliès rests here. The talented Georges himself rests at Père Lachaise. He is with his second wife. The Méliès family chapel is a reminder of their legacy.
The Cimetière ancien de Montreuil also houses Alexis Lepère’s tomb. Lepère died in 1882. He was an expert in fruit tree cultivation. He wrote a book about pruning peach trees.
Note the family tomb of the Préraux family. They were important people who gave a lot to the city. The grave has a tall cross and sculpted figures.
François Vibert is buried here. He was an actor. He worked with renowned theater companies. He also appeared in films and TV shows.
The old entrance is still visible. It is at the corner of Rue Pierre-de-Montreuil and Rue Eugène-Varlin. Massive stone pillars frame it. They have decorations of funeral wreaths. The oldest graves are in this part of the cemetery. In the 1930s the main entrance moved to Rue Galilée. A monumental gate marks it.
By the 1970s, the Cimetière ancien de Montreuil became too small. A new section opened across Avenue Jean-Moulin. This is known as the New Montreuil Cemetery. The new cemetery includes a funeral home. It also has a cremation site. The garden of remembrance provides a place to scatter ashes.
Keep in mind that the city reclaims expired concessions. This happens two years after the expiration date. Remember to update your address with the cemetery office. This will prevent any issues.
Today a digital service helps locate graves. You can search for a deceased person’s name online. A kiosk is available at the old cemetery entrance. It provides directions to specific plots.
The Cimetière ancien de Montreuil is more than a burial ground. It is a chronicle of Montreuil’s rich history. The stories of its residents are etched in its stones. Take a moment to reflect. Remember those who came before us.