Montparnasse Cemetery

The Montparnasse Cemetery, initially called Le Cimetière du Sud, was established in the early 19th century in Paris' southern region. This development coincided with the creation of external cemeteries like Passy Cemetery in the west, Montmartre Cemetery in the north, and Père Lachaise Cemetery in the east, as urban cemeteries were prohibited in Paris due to health concerns.

In the 16th century, the area of intersecting roads at Vavin and Raspail, known for its artificial hill formed from quarry rubble, was a popular spot for students' open-air dances. This hill contributed to the name "Montparnasse."

During the French Revolution, the government seized the land and church, transforming the area into a cemetery. It became the final resting place for unclaimed bodies from the hospital. Montparnasse, along with Père Lachaise and Montmartre, replaced the Cimetière des Innocents, with the remains from there being moved to the Catacombs.

The city acquired this land to establish a burial site for residents of the city's Left Bank, who previously used the Sainte-Catherine cemetery and Vaugirard village burial grounds. Officially opening on July 25, 1824, Montparnasse Cemetery has since become the resting place for over 300,000 individuals.

The Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, spanning 47 acres, is easily accessible from the north via Boulevard Edgar Quinet, close to the Edgar Quinet Métro station. This cemetery is uniquely split into two sections by Rue Émile Richard: the smaller one known as the petit cimetière, and the larger one as the grand cimetière. The western side of Émile-Richard Street encompasses 21 divisions, while the eastern side, from division 22 to 30 (excluding 23), contains 8 divisions.

This lush green space within Paris' city boundaries is dotted with diverse trees like linden, Japanese pagoda, thuja, maple, ash, and various conifers. Its popularity as a tourist spot is enhanced by the many famous individuals laid to rest here.

A notable feature in Montparnasse Cemetery is the permanent installation "CAUSSE" by artist engineer Milène Guermont, commissioned by a distinguished French scientist in 2016. This unique sculpture, made from ultra high-performance concrete and optical fibers, features 12 sides representing the electron de-multiplier cell invented by the scientist. It interacts with its surroundings, with lights that dim or brighten when people or birds pass by. The sculpture's peaks pay homage to the commissioner's homeland mountains, and it was first revealed on November 1, 2016.

Montparnasse Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable figures in France's intellectual, artistic, and political spheres. It also honors individuals who contributed significantly to the arts and literature. The cemetery includes graves of non-native individuals who considered France their home, as well as memorials for police and firefighters who perished in service.

Several religious tombs are present, including a dedicated area for priests who passed away without family. The cemetery also houses the well-adorned tomb of Rosalie Rendu, a beatified member of a religious society, located in the 14th division.

Historically, divisions 5 and 30 of the cemetery were Jewish sections, featuring graves of prominent Jewish individuals. Among them is Adolphe Crémieux, a key figure in obtaining citizenship for Algerian Jews, and Alfred Dreyfus, known for his central role in the significant Dreyfus affair, who lies in the southern part of the cemetery.

Famed poet Charles Baudelaire, author of "Les Fleurs du Mal," has a burial site in division 6, along with a cenotaph located between divisions 26 and 27.

The grave of Serge Gainsbourg, a multifaceted artist known for his impact on French popular music, attracts visitors who leave eclectic offerings, from flowers to unique items like metro tickets and cabbages.

Marguerite Duras, celebrated for her diverse literary and cinematic contributions, is commemorated with a distinct gravesite adorned with a pot of pens. Her international upbringing and significant works, including the Oscar-nominated screenplay for "Hiroshima Mon Amour," highlight her legacy.

Simone de Beauvoir, a pivotal figure in existential and feminist philosophy, shares her resting place with Jean-Paul Sartre, reflecting their profound intellectual partnership.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, recognized as the first self-declared anarchist, finds his final resting place here as well.

Jacques Lisfranc, a notable surgeon with contributions to the understanding of foot anatomy, is interred in the 13th division.

The cemetery also encapsulates family legacies, like the Deschanel family, spanning three generations of public service, resting under a poignant epitaph in the 14th division.

However, it's noteworthy that Montparnasse Cemetery does not feature a dedicated monument to World War I casualties.