Paris Vignettes: Montparnasse Cemetery

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments.

After one of Terrance’s Sunday get-togethers a few weeks ago, I walked with another attendee through Montparnasse Cemetery. Situated on 47 acres in the 14th arrondissement, it’s the second largest in Paris after Père-Lachaise, and the final resting place of renowned artists and politicians, amid some thousand trees. I’d visited before, so I was looking beyond the famous tombstones (e.g. Serge Gainsbourg) that draw visitors.

Upon entering, I noticed a mailbox representing an association in charge of maintaining and renovating various graves, where you can make a donation (“Le Souvenir Français”) to support them. As I glanced around, I saw how the tombs are beautifully and artistically maintained (“Bougie Rouge,” “Vitrail,” “Fleur de Souvenir”) by both humans and nature (“Lierre”), along with unique touches like stones meticulously arranged in the shape of a heart (“Coeur de Pierre”).

The history is fascinating, and I intend to return one day for a guided visit to learn the stories behind the decorative details (“Une Main,” “Trois Visages,” “Deux Assiettes”), which help us remember those who have passed away (“Souvenir”).