Cimetière du Vésinet

From a dispute over burial grounds, a unique story emerged. This is the story of Cimetière du Vésinet. In 1875, a disagreement arose between Chatou and Le Vésinet about cemetery space. Le Vésinet wanted to share Chatou’s cemetery, purchased in 1861 with shared funds. But after their separation, this became unlikely. In January 1876, Chatou informed Le Vésinet that their temporary vault would no longer be available to Vésinet families. Le Vésinet’s municipal council decided to create their own cemetery. Cimetière du Vésinet would be built at a place called Les Terres Blanches, actually on Chatou’s land. This land belonged to the Pallu Company, which had bought it at the request of Le Vésinet’s syndicates. Spanning 27,000 square meters, the land was to be exchanged with the future commune for its cost price. This price was not to exceed 7,000 francs, as stated in the acts of relinquishment and acceptance. Chatou tried to oppose the cemetery’s location, claiming it would cause serious harm. They offered to exchange the land for a part of Le Vésinet’s territory bordering the Paris road. Le Vésinet’s council strongly opposed giving up any of their territory. The prefectural decree of April 1876 finalized the council’s decision for the current location of Cimetière du Vésinet. The first burials at Cimetière du Vésinet date back to 1876. Marie-Marguerite Pallu, who died at age 10 on Christmas Eve 1860, was transferred from Paris. She became the first person buried there on August 21, 1876. At the end of 1914, Cimetière du Vésinet expanded by 4,620 square meters. This extension provided two months of employment for ten unemployed citizens. During World War II, a military section was created within Cimetière du Vésinet. It housed soldiers of different nationalities, sometimes temporarily. Today, the cemetery covers just under 4 hectares and contains over 4,100 graves. Among them lie several notable figures. Cimetière du Vésinet stands as a testament to Le Vésinet’s determination. It is a peaceful resting place born from a town’s desire for its own final resting place.