Centuries of stories rest here at Cimetière de Bercy. This Parisian cemetery holds secrets. It is located in the 12th arrondissement. It is a place of reflection. Cimetière de Bercy is a green space. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However some zones are harder to access.
The Cimetière de Bercy opened in 1816. It was in the former commune of Bercy. Paris annexed it in 1860. Back then, it was larger. It covered 1.079 hectares. The opening of Avenue du Général-Michel-Bizot in 1862 reduced its size. Now the Cimetière de Bercy covers about 6100 square meters. It houses 1120 tombs.
The Cimetière de Bercy has a rich history. Originally, Bercy residents were buried at Sainte-Marguerite Cemetery from 1643. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis was their parish. Sainte-Marguerite Church became a branch of Saint-Paul. Later the Cimetière de Bercy became their final resting place.
During the Bloody Week, around 400 people were executed. They were linked to the Commune. These people were thrown into a well in the Cimetière de Bercy. They had no proper burial. Identification of the victims is impossible.
Several notable figures rest in Cimetière de Bercy. Louis Gallois was the mayor of Bercy. His large chapel is in the cemetery center. It is the main monument. Albert Vandal and Louis-Jules Gallois also rest there. Jean-Alfred Besnard was a government architect. He was also the deputy mayor of the 18th arrondissement. Antoine Billet was a priest of the Bercy parish. He was a honorary canon of Paris and Châlons-en-Champagne. Henry Céard was a writer. He was one of the authors of the Soirées de Médan. Albert Cuvillier was the mayor of the 12th arrondissement. Henri Dérouville was a music composer. Marie-Louise de Gerlor was an operetta singer. Charles Greig was a Scottish pastor. Armand Guillon was a prefect. Edmond Mallard was mayor of the 12th arrondissement. André Planchet was a municipal councilor of Paris. Louis Thomas-d’Hoste was a sculptor. Robert Trébor was a playwright. François Brice Veuillot was a cooper and father of writer Louis Veuillot. Alain Wisner was a doctor.
Please be respectful during your visit to Cimetière de Bercy. Certain activities are prohibited. These include consuming alcohol and picnicking. It is forbidden to use sound devices or musical instruments. Do not feed the animals. Animals are not allowed, even on leashes. Bicycles and scooters are not allowed. Sporting activities are prohibited. Games are not allowed.
Today the Cimetière de Bercy provides a glimpse into Parisian history. It connects us to the lives of those who shaped Bercy and Paris. Take a moment to reflect on their stories. Remember their contributions to this vibrant city.