Didn’t Saint-Mandé already have a cemetery? Actually, the Cimetière Nord de Saint-Mandé is one of two cemeteries in this commune. The other, Cimetière Sud, is integrated into Paris.
The Cimetière Nord de Saint-Mandé offers a glimpse into a bygone era. It whispers tales of a suburb that has faded away. This old cemetery opened in the early 19th century.
The oldest standing concession dates back to 1815. The municipality has placed informative panels at the entrances of both cemeteries. These panels highlight notable tombs. This initiative is commendable.
Let’s explore some of the fascinating people buried here in the Cimetière Nord de Saint-Mandé.
Albert Augier rests here. He was a famous French voice actor. He dubbed Colonel Klink in “Papa Schultz.” He also voiced Huggy Bear in “Starsky and Hutch.”
Clément Belle, a classical painter of religious inspiration, is also interred here. He was an inspector at the Gobelins Manufactory. He rests with his wife.
Armand Carrel, a journalist, is buried here. He died in a duel against Émile de Girardin. A statue by David d’Angers marks his grave.
Joseph Bienaimé Caventou, a pharmacist, also lies here. He isolated quinine. He also introduced the word “chlorophyll”.
Juliette Drouet, Victor Hugo’s mistress, rests in the Cimetière Nord de Saint-Mandé. She was Hugo’s muse. She sent him over twenty thousand letters. She is buried next to her daughter Claire Pradier. Hugo wrote poems for Claire.
Grandville, an illustrator, is also buried here. He drew costumes for the Opéra-Comique. He is known for his caricatures of animals with human heads.
Robert Oubron, a cyclist, rests here. He was a four-time world champion in cyclocross.
Frédéric-Eugène Piat, a sculptor, is interred here. He founded the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Troyes.
Georges Thill, a tenor, is also buried here. He debuted at the Paris Opera in 1924. He sang many roles in French and Italian opera.
Also a monument commemorates 530 French soldiers. They died at the Bégin military hospital during the war of 1870-71.
As you leave the Cimetière Nord de Saint-Mandé, remember the stories. Remember the lives of those who rest here. This cemetery offers a poignant reflection. It is a place to contemplate life and legacy.