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Errancis Cemetery

Paris, France

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Errancis Cemetery Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tourist Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Historical Background: Origins, Use, and Closure
Cultural Impact and Symbolism
The Modern Site: Location, Access, and Memorialization
Visiting Today: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips
Related Sites: Picpus Cemetery & Paris Catacombs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Recommendations
References

Historical Background

Origins and Establishment

Errancis Cemetery, known in French as Cimetière des Errancis, was established on March 5, 1793, following the closure of the Madeleine Cemetery, which had previously served as the main burial ground for guillotine victims. The cemetery’s name derives from an old French word for “the wandering” or “the maimed,” possibly referencing a nearby hospice.

Strategically located at the intersection of Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Rocher, Rue de Monceau, and Rue de Miromesnil, the cemetery was initially intended as a charnel house. However, the intensification of executions during the Reign of Terror transformed it into a mass burial site for revolutionaries and ordinary citizens alike.

Role During the French Revolution

Between March 25 and July 28, 1794, Errancis Cemetery received approximately 1,119 victims of the guillotine. Among the interred were prominent revolutionaries such as Georges Danton, Camille Desmoulins, Antoine Lavoisier, Madame Élisabeth, Maximilien Robespierre, and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just. Bodies were transported from the Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde), reinforcing the cemetery’s role in the Revolution’s darkest days.

Closure and Exhumation

The cemetery closed on April 23, 1797. In the decades that followed, Paris’s urban expansion led to the exhumation of its remains (1844–1859), which were transferred to the Paris Catacombs. Some remains evaded exhumation and have been unearthed during subsequent construction. Unlike other historic cemeteries, Errancis is not commemorated within the Catacombs, making its memory largely dependent on historical scholarship and the Rue de Monceau plaque.

Cultural Impact and Symbolism

Errancis Cemetery stands as a symbol of the Revolution’s brutality and the anonymity of its victims. A sign at its entrance once read, “Dormir. Enfin!” (“To sleep. At last!”), a poignant reflection on the desire for peace after violence. Unlike Père Lachaise or Montmartre cemeteries, Errancis was intentionally devoid of grand monuments to avoid becoming a rallying point for political factions. Its very erasure from the landscape forms part of the ongoing dialogue about memory, identity, and the urban transformation of Paris.

The Modern Site: Location, Access, and Memorialization

Location and Boundaries

The former cemetery occupied what is now a vibrant urban neighborhood in the 8th arrondissement. Its boundaries were marked by Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Rocher, Rue de Monceau, and Rue de Miromesnil (Wikiwand). Today, only a modest plaque on Rue de Monceau (between number 97 and the intersection with Rue de Rocher) indicates its historical significance.

Urban Renewal

The site was redeveloped as part of Baron Haussmann’s 19th-century overhaul of Paris, now featuring Haussmannian architecture, residential blocks, and commercial establishments. No visible traces of the cemetery remain except for the memorial plaque, which is often overlooked by passersby (Wikiwand).

Memorialization

The sole commemoration is a plaque that reads: “Here were buried 1,119 victims of the guillotine during the Terror, 1793–1794.” There are no gardens or interpretive signs, and the Catacombs contain no marker for the Errancis remains (Amazing World Reality).

Visiting Today: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Errancis Site: The plaque is located in a public area and can be visited at any time.
Tickets: No tickets are required for the Errancis site.

Getting There

Metro: Villiers (Lines 2 and 3), Monceau (Line 2), and Europe (Line 3) are the nearest stations.
Bus: Lines 30, 43, and 94 serve the area.
Parking: Limited; public transportation is recommended.

Accessibility

The site is flat and navigable for wheelchairs and strollers.
No dedicated visitor facilities are present.

What to Expect

No Cemetery Remains: The site is a residential neighborhood with no tombstones or visible graves.
Memorial Plaque: The only marker is a small plaque on Rue de Monceau.
Atmosphere: The area is peaceful; Parc Monceau nearby offers a tranquil setting for contemplation.

Tips for Visitors

Research the cemetery’s history beforehand to enhance your visit.
Respect the residential nature of the neighborhood.
Photography of the plaque is allowed, but respect the privacy of residents.

Picpus Cemetery

Location: 35 Rue de Picpus, 75012 Paris
Significance: Burial site for many guillotine victims, including the Marquis de Lafayette. Features marked graves and memorial walls.
Visiting Hours: Typically open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check for updates).
Tickets: Entry is free; donations are welcome.
Guided Tours: Available via historic tour companies.

Paris Catacombs

Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
Significance: Ossuary containing remains from Errancis and other cemeteries.
Visiting Hours: Generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM; last entry at 7:30 PM (Paris Catacombs Official Site).
Tickets: Paid entry; advance booking is strongly recommended.
Accessibility: Not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors due to stairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Errancis Cemetery as a traditional site?
A: No. The cemetery is gone, but the site is accessible as a residential area; only a plaque marks its existence.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: While there are no tours dedicated solely to Errancis Cemetery, some walking tours of Revolutionary Paris include the site.

Q: Where were the remains relocated?
A: Most remains were transferred to the Paris Catacombs between 1844 and 1859, though without a specific marker.