Cimetière Sainte-Marguerite

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.

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).