A silent city sleeps here. This is the Cimetiere de Yerres. It holds stories of lives lived.
The Cimetiere de Yerres contains 3881 photographed tombs. These are GPS coordinates 48.7205 2.4927. It is found in Yerres, Essonne, France.
Yerres itself is a commune in the Essonne department. It is located 18.3 km from the center of Paris. The people of Yerres are called Yerrois. The river Yerres flows through it. The highest point is Mont Griffon at 116 m. The lowest point is 30 m above sea level.
The town’s history began with the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Yerres between 1120 and 1132. 44 Benedictine abbesses administered it. They gave it great influence. Guillaume de Hierra was the first known lord in 1103. The Budé family built the chateau in the 15th century. Lords and abbesses often clashed over rights to mills and justice.
The Maison Caillebotte is a key site. Gustave Caillebotte and his family lived here between 1860 and 1879. The property shows the painter’s life and inspiration. The Maison Caillebotte is a partner in the “Destination Impressionism” network. In 2021, Maison Caillebotte was voted favorite monument of the French.
The Maison, called “Casin”, shows life under the Empire. It is being refurnished. Gifts and collections are being added. The park invites discovery of the ornament factories. The park inspired Gustave Caillebotte. The Orangerie is now a temporary exhibition space. The Ferme Ornée is now a museum. The Potager is cultivated by volunteers.
The Abbaye Notre Dame d’Yerres was built in 1132. It depends on the abbey Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It shows important remains from the 16th century. The abbey is under the patronage of Saint-Benoît. The beautiful oak frame in the dormitory is remarkable. Also notable is the refectory door from the 16th century. In the 19th century, the abbey became a wool spinning mill. Manufacturing lasted until World War II. From 1965 to 1967, G.E.E.P. Industries moved in. In 2009, the site was restored into offices and apartments.
The chateau was the residence of the lords of Yerres. Vestiges date from the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries. Guillaume Donjon is mentioned in 1100. In 1452, the chateau was sold to Dreux Budé. The chateau fell into ruins after sales.
The Château de la Grange, now called “Château du Maréchal de Saxe,” was built in the forest. Charles Duret de Chevry entrusted its construction to Jean Thiriot in 1617. The building is in the French style. Close to royal power, owners lived there until the French Revolution. In 1748, Maréchal de Saxe modified it.
The Église Saint-Honest is an old parish church. The choir dates to the 13th century. The church was reworked in the 17th century. Side chapels and a bell tower were added. Its restoration respected its history. The cemetery was moved in 1832. Several valuable paintings can be admired.
The Couvent des Camaldules was established in 1642 by the Duke d’Angoulême. The word Camaldules comes from Camaldoli. Saint Romuald created the order there in the 11th century. The monks lived in cells. They dedicated their lives to prayer. Jean Thiriot built the convent quickly. The construction of the town hall school in 1846 was important.
The Cimetiere de Yerres is more than graves. It is a reminder of Yerres’ rich past.