Quietly standing, the Cimetière de l’Est whispers tales of Lille’s past. This is not just a burial ground. It is a sprawling outdoor museum. It holds stories etched in stone and shaded by ancient trees.
Welcome to the Cimetière de l’Est. It is also known as the Eastern Cemetery. Established in 1779, the Cimetière de l’Est is one of France’s most beautiful cemeteries. It rivals Père Lachaise in Paris. This 22-hectare space contains around 36000 plots. Many prominent Lille figures rest here.
Imagine this space in 1779. It was initially a park belonging to the Coustenoble-Dujardin family. They wanted to maintain its park-like atmosphere. This vision shaped the Cimetière de l’Est we see today.
The Cimetière de l’Est is more than a final resting place. It is a haven for biodiversity. Squirrels dart among the tombstones. Wild cats prowl in the shadows. Various bird species sing in the trees. The cemetery also boasts a rich variety of flora. Ornamentals mix with wildflowers. Fruit trees like persimmon and walnut offer edible treats. Even beehives thrive on the roofs of nearby buildings.
As you wander through the Cimetière de l’Est, notice the diverse religious sections. While predominantly Catholic, there are Jewish and Muslim sections. Look for Chinese, Japanese, and Turkish graves. Keep an eye out for Freemason symbols. These point to the final resting place of members. The square and compass are especially common.
Many leading Lille figures are buried in the Cimetière de l’Est. Alexandre Desrousseaux rests here. He wrote the famous P’tit Quinquin. Former Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy is also interred here. His name now graces the city’s grand stadium. You can also find Professor Oscar Lambret’s tomb. He founded Lille’s anti-cancer center. Architect Emile Vandenbergh is here. He designed the Hotel Castiaux. Former Minister Roger Salengro also rests in the Cimetière de l’Est.
In April 2024, Anne Hadoux-Decroo published a guide to the Cimetière de l’Est. It highlights 100 personalities buried here. This guide offers deeper insights. It brings the stories of these individuals to life.
The Cimetière de l’Est has three entrances. Porte du Ballon is near the Lille Europe station. Porte de Muy is near the Rue du Faubourg de Roubaix. The third entrance is on Rue des Vicaires. A welcome center is located at the Porte du Ballon. Maps and lists of notable figures are available free.
Visiting the Cimetière de l’Est is like walking through Lille’s history. It showcases impressive architecture. The tombs and funerary chapels near the main entrance are particularly striking. Each monument tells a story. It reflects the life and times of the person it commemorates.
The Cimetière de l’Est is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The last entry is at 4:30 pm. Take your time. Explore the pathways and discover the stories hidden within. Respect this peaceful place. Reflect on the lives of those who shaped Lille. The Cimetière de l’Est invites contemplation. It is a place of remembrance. It is a testament to the city’s rich heritage.