Original etching print by Georges-Henri Manesse showing 40 rue St Bernard in Paris from early 20th century

Cimetière Sainte Marguerite

Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Paris Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Located in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, the Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite is a captivating historical site that offers a rare glimpse into the city’s layered past. Although it no longer serves as an active cemetery and is mostly inaccessible today, its story intertwines with major Parisian events, notably the French Revolution, and features legends such as the purported burial of Louis XVII. This guide will take you through the history, legacy, and practical information about visiting this unique site and its surroundings, including the adjacent Église Sainte-Marguerite and relevant museums. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a cultural traveler, this article will help you appreciate the hidden significance of Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite. For further details, consult resources like Paris Musées, Bertrand Beyern, and the Église Sainte-Marguerite official site.

Original etching print of 40 rue Saint Bernard in old Paris by Georges-Henri Manesse from early 1900s

Le Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite painting depicting presumed tomb of Louis XVII by Auguste Jacques Régnier, 1856

Le Cimetiere Sainte-Marguerite presumed location of Louis XVII tomb painting by Auguste Jacques Regnier

Historical drawing of Calvary in Sainte Marguerite Cemetery, Paris 19th century

Historical gouache drawing of Sainte-Marguerite Cemetery in Paris by Victor Marec, 1904, depicting old cemetery grounds with tombstones and trees

Drawing of the presumed burial site of Louis XVII in Sainte Marguerite Cemetery

19th-century urban landscape drawing of Sainte Marguerite Church Cemetery in Paris 11th arrondissement

Monument with a cross in the former Sainte-Marguerite Cemetery, 11th arrondissement, Paris, black and white gelatin silver print photo from 1904

Old drawing of remnants of Sainte Marguerite Cemetery with caretaker's house on Saint Bernard street by Georges-Henri Manesse, 1908

Origins and Historical Development
The Cemetery and Parisian Burial Reforms
Revolutionary Paris: Significance and Legends
Closure, Legacy, and Notable Burials
Archaeological and Artistic Documentation
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Origins and Historical Development

The Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite traces its origins to the early 17th century, directly linked to the expansion of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. In 1627, Antoine Fayet financed a chapel dedicated to Sainte-Marguerite, which became the parish church, and by 1637 the cemetery was established behind the church at what is now 36 rue Saint-Bernard (Paris Musées).

Initially serving local parishioners, its role quickly expanded. During the Fronde civil wars, it became a burial ground for soldiers, including those killed in the July 1652 Battle of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Over time, the cemetery added features such as charnel houses (built in 1722) and the Chapelle des Âmes-du-Purgatoire (1760–1764), renowned for its neoclassical style and trompe-l’œil paintings.

The Cemetery and Parisian Burial Reforms

By the late 18th century, rapid population growth and concerns about public health forced Paris to reconsider its burial practices. The Parliament of Paris decreed in 1765 that burials within city churchyards be prohibited due to health hazards, but enforcement lagged (Wikipedia: Liste des cimetières de Paris). The closure of major cemeteries like the Cimetière des Innocents in 1780 and the transfer of remains to the Catacombs in 1786 marked this period of transition.

Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite operated until the Napoleonic reforms that established new cemeteries on Paris’s outskirts, such as Père Lachaise. The site officially closed to new burials in 1804, with final closure in 1806. Today, only a small portion remains, mostly as the church’s private courtyard (bertrandbeyern.fr).

Revolutionary Paris: Significance and Legends

During the French Revolution, the Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite gained new prominence. It served as a burial site for many victims of revolutionary violence, including those executed by guillotine at the nearby Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Between June 9 and 12, 1794, 73 individuals executed during the Reign of Terror were interred here, and the cemetery also received victims from other revolutionary sites.

One of the enduring legends is its supposed connection to Louis XVII, the son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. After the young Dauphin’s death in custody in 1795, rumors circulated that he was buried in a mass grave at Sainte-Marguerite. Although a coffin found in 1846 contained the remains of a child, modern research disproved that it was Louis XVII. Nevertheless, a simple cross with a Latin epitaph stands as a moving memorial (Paris Musées).

Closure, Legacy, and Notable Burials

After the cemetery’s closure, most of its grounds were built over or absorbed into the urban landscape. Despite this, several markers, tombstones, and memorials survive. Notably:

The ancient 1777 cross stands as a testament to the site’s long history.
Tombstones of families like the Bourlons and notable individuals such as Georges Jacob II (1768–1803), a renowned cabinetmaker, remain visible.
Memorials to educators and everyday citizens highlight the cemetery’s role as a community space (bertrandbeyern.fr).

The site’s intimate scale and commemorative markers distinguish it from larger Parisian cemeteries, emphasizing its local and national historical relevance.

Archaeological and Artistic Documentation

Interest in Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite endures among historians and archaeologists. The Musée Carnavalet preserves a 19th-century painting depicting the presumed grave of Louis XVII (Paris Musées). Archaeological surveys and historical studies continue to explore the cemetery’s layout and the stories of those buried here. These efforts contribute to a richer understanding of Parisian burial customs during the era of revolution and transformation.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips

Location and Access

Address: 36 rue Saint-Bernard, 75011 Paris
Metro: Faidherbe-Chaligny (Line 8) and Charonne (Line 9) are the nearest stations.

Cemetery Access

The original cemetery grounds are generally not open to the public, as they now form part of the Église Sainte-Marguerite’s private courtyard. Access is possible only by special arrangement with the church sacristy; there are no ticket fees, but appointments must be made in advance (Église Sainte-Marguerite official site).

Église Sainte-Marguerite Visiting Hours

The church is open from morning to early evening, but hours may vary. For up-to-date schedules, consult the parish website or contact [email protected].

What to See

Inside the Church: Chapelle des Âmes du Purgatoire with restored trompe-l’œil art, historic paintings, and sculptures.
Cemetery Remnants: Ancient cross, charnel houses, and a handful of original tombstones.
Nearby Attractions: Musée Carnavalet, Place de la Bastille, and the vibrant Faubourg Saint-Antoine district.

Practical Tips

Arrange access to the cemetery in advance if possible.
Respect the site’s sacred nature; photography may be restricted.
The church is partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
Weekday mornings are quieter; European Heritage Days in September may offer special tours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite open to the public?
A: No, it is generally closed and is part of the church’s private courtyard. Visits require advance arrangement.

Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: There is no general admission fee; guided tours may charge.

Q: How can I arrange a visit?
A: Contact the sacristy of Église Sainte-Marguerite in advance to request access.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, local historians organize tours; check with Paris tourism sites or the church.

Q: What are the nearest metro stations?
A: Faidherbe-Chaligny (Line 8) and Charonne (Line 9).

Conclusion

Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite is a poignant emblem of Paris’s evolving burial customs, revolutionary history, and urban transformation. Though the cemetery is no longer accessible as a traditional burial ground, its legacy endures through architectural remnants, memorials, and its association with key historical events and figures. Visitors can connect with this history by exploring the adjacent Église Sainte-Marguerite and local museums, which preserve and interpret the cemetery’s story for future generations.