Picpus Cemetery, Private cemetery in 12th arrondissement, France
Picpus Cemetery is a private burial ground in the 12th arrondissement of Paris spanning two hectares. Individual graves and mass tombs sit within landscaped gardens enclosed by tall stone walls.
The cemetery was founded in 1794 when authorities seized land from an Augustinian convent to bury victims of the guillotine. This site became a place of mourning for families who lost loved ones during the Reign of Terror.
This cemetery holds meaning for descendants of those executed during the Revolution, who continue to honor their ancestors through burial here. The place carries the weight of family memory and historical trauma in its quiet grounds.
The cemetery is open for visits on weekday afternoons and Saturday, with August being an exception when it closes. The entrance is at 35 rue de Picpus, so plan your visit accordingly for the opening hours.
General Lafayette is buried here beneath an American flag, making it the only permanent location in Paris displaying the United States flag. This unusual honor recognizes his role in both the American and French revolutions.
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