CIMETIERE DU CALVAIRE -- Montmartre, Paris, France
This is one of only two cemeteries left in Paris which are still attached to the church, and this one is only open three days per year. Toussaint, All Saints' Day, November 1 is one, and the special Saturday-Sunday "heritage weekend" throughout France (usually early Autumn) are the only times you can visit this place. This little cemetery is old but is by no means the oldest in Paris, I think.
Everyone goes to the famous Basilique de Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, which is nice (not very old) yet they ignore this historic church, which is never crowded and is very nice. Usually, in Paris, the famous tourist spots have something even MORE interesting practically next door which might be free and potentially much more interesting. This is an example.
Most visitors just look at the "obvious places" on Montmartre, which are, essentially, tourist traps. There is a heck of a lot more than just the typical stuff, usually thronged. I do get lost easily in Montmartre, however, and need a detailed map, information in advance, and even a guide, after 21 years here.
This is adjacent to the Saint-Pierre de Monmatre church, and the "calvaire" refers to a calvary in an attached garden. Apparently, there was an ancient Merovingian cemetery/necropôle here, and this cemetery has antecedents going to 1688. Due to lack of space, it was closed in 1823. (No more room.) There are 85 toms here, it was closed during the first French revolution in the 18th c., and many aristocratic families known in Montmartre are here. During the seige of Paris in 1814, many dead soldiers are in a mass ditch grave here. There are also many "ordinary people" from Montmartre here.
Métro: Lamarck Caulaincourt or Abbesses
(I recommend the funicular railway to get up and down, one basic ticket each way.)
Bus: 54-30 or the Montmartrobus
Modest attire is requested, no photos (ooops!), no pets, be tidy, et c.
copyright 2014 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A.
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