Pause for a moment and listen. Can you hear the echoes of lives well-lived within these walls? We are standing before the Cimetière de Ville d’Avray. It is a place of rest and remembrance. This cemetery holds the stories of artists, writers, and influential figures. It is a testament to the rich cultural history of France.
The Cimetière de Ville d’Avray is not large. It is a modest space. However, it contains a number of interesting tombs. The Cimetière de Ville d’Avray is located near the Cimetière de Marnes-la-Coquette. A simple wall separates the two.
Here lie the parents of Albert Uderzo. He was the co-creator of Asterix.
Among the celebrated residents of the Cimetière de Ville d’Avray are Niels Arestrup. He was born in 1949 and passed away in 2024. Marie Dubois who lived from 1937 to 2014. Boris Vian also rests here. He lived a short life from 1920 to 1959.
Let’s talk about some other notable figures. Paul Aynes an architect rests here. So does Yolande Aynes Martinet a painter. Henri Berger a general is buried here too. He lived from 1880 to 1942.
One of the more colorful characters interred here is Valtesse de la Bigne. She was born Lucie Émilie Delabigne. She lived from 1848 to 1910. She was a famous demi-mondaine during the Second Empire. She was also a cultured woman. She loved the arts. Manet and Gervex painted her. She was the mistress of many artists and celebrities. This included Napoleon III. Her extraordinary bed is now in the Musée des Arts-Décoratifs. Zola used it as inspiration for Nana’s bed. Valtesse de la Bigne retired to Ville-d’Avray. She spent her final days here. Her property later belonged to Jean Rostand. A bronze torch supported by three eagles once marked her grave. Sadly it is now gone.
Jean Cassegrain is also buried here. He lived from 1915 to 1972. He founded the leather goods brand Longchamp in 1948.
Pierre Louis-Dreyfus rests in this cemetery. He lived a long life from 1908 to 2011. He was a Compagnon de la Libération. He was also an officer in the Résistance. Under the pseudonym “Heldé” he participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans eleven times. He was also an arms dealer and banker. He was the CEO of Louis Dreyfus and company from 1967 to 1975. His mother Germaine Hément is also buried in the family vault.
Gérard Gefen rests here. He lived from 1934-2003. He was a music critic. He was also a producer at Radio France. Patrice Imbert-Vier is also interred here. He lived from 1925-1979. He was the author of “Mémoires d’un veuf” and “Zoukoupoum ou l’inventeur”.
Jean Jullien another resident of the Cimetière de Ville d’Avray was a man of letters. He was a naturalist playwright. He lived from 1854-1919. He created the expression “tranche de vie”. It defines realism in theater. A bronze medallion by A. Suchet marks his tomb.
Colette Costantiniès-Mégret is buried here too. She lived from 1926-2018. She was a professor of European law at the University Paris-I.
Jean Mercier an inventor also rests here. He specialized in hydraulics. Gustave Meyrier a diplomat is also interred here. He lived from 1852-1930.
André Ross also calls this cemetery his final home. He lived from 1922-2017. He was a high-ranking civil servant. He served as ambassador to Laos, Zaire, India, and Japan.
Jean Rostand rests here. He lived from 1894-1977. He was a biologist and academician. He studied batrachians. He contributed to knowledge of parthenogenesis and teratogenesis.
Finally we remember Jean-Marie Tréhard. He was a classical guitarist. He lived from 1949-2005.
The Cimetière de Ville d’Avray offers a serene escape. It is a place to reflect on the lives of those who shaped French culture. As we leave take a moment to appreciate the tranquility. Remember the stories of those who rest here.