Errancis Cemetery

Introduction

In the vibrant 8th arrondissement of Paris lies a site that bears silent witness to one of the most turbulent chapters in French history: Errancis Cemetery. Established in 1793 during the French Revolution, this cemetery became the final resting place for over 1,100 victims of the guillotine, including major revolutionary figures like Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre. Although the cemetery itself was closed in 1797 and later built over during Paris's 19th-century redevelopment, its memory endures through a discreet plaque on Rue de Monceau and the narratives it inspired. This guide explores the historical significance of Errancis Cemetery, its cultural impact, and practical tips for visitors seeking to connect with Paris’s revolutionary past (source 1, source 2, source 3).

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.

Related Sites: Picpus Cemetery & Paris Catacombs

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.

Q: Is the area accessible?
A: Yes, the streets are flat and accessible, but there are no special facilities at the site.

Q: Are tickets or fees required?
A: No, the Errancis site is free to visit. Tickets are required for the Paris Catacombs.

Visitor Recommendations

• Combine Your Visit: Pair a stroll to the Errancis plaque with time in Parc Monceau and a trip to the Paris Catacombs.
• Use Public Transit: Avoid parking challenges and enjoy easy Metro access.
• Bring a Guidebook or Historical Map: It will help you contextualize the site.
• Book Catacombs Tickets in Advance: Due to high demand and limited capacity.
• Respect the Neighborhood: Be discreet and considerate of residents.

Final Thoughts

Though Errancis Cemetery is no longer visible in the Parisian landscape, its story remains deeply woven into the city’s revolutionary heritage. The modest plaque on Rue de Monceau, coupled with visits to related sites like Picpus Cemetery and the Paris Catacombs, offers a tangible link to the past. For those eager to explore Paris’s layered history, digital resources such as the Audiala app provide guided audio tours and up-to-date information on revolutionary landmarks. By remembering Errancis and its significance, we honor the memory of those who shaped—and were shaped by—the French Revolution. (source 1, source 2, source 3)

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