We tested it for you...

The tour continues through the alleys of the monumental cemetery. As we explore, the tour guide sheds light on the different architectural styles of the funerary monuments. These elements also allow us to wander into the society of the time and discover trades, beliefs and milestones of the history of the city of Rouen.

The guide’s reading of texts and her numerous anecdotes add another dimension to this place with such a singular atmosphere.

As the tour progresses, the funerary monuments grow in size, detail and floor space.

The guide passes on some keys to understand the ornaments on the monuments: plants such as flowers, poppies, laurels, ivy leaves, but also decorative elements representing animals such as the owl or butterfly and its spiritual significance of the notion of ephemerality.

In addition to the ornaments, it is sometimes the materials used that speak volumes about the monument’s occupant, as witnessed, for example, by the sarcophagus of Ferdinand Marrou, a famous ironworker, who designed his final resting place before his death all in copper.

If Rouen’s monumental cemetery is renowned, it’s thanks in no small part to its occupants and their funerary monuments. Called, Rouen’s “Père Lachaise”, this place counts among its ranks, the famous author Gustave Flaubert buried not far from his friend Louis Bouilhet.

The writer from Rouen, author of Madame Bovary, has a rather unimposing stele alongside members of his family.

The man who gave this monumental cemetery another dimension is François Boieldieu. Previously buried at Père Lachaise in Paris, his heart was repatriated to Rouen and now rests in a monument adorned with musical instruments and the names of his major works.

The cemetery is also home to former mayors of the city such as Nétien, Verdrel and Fleury, as well as artists and personalities from the city.

The visit punctuates itself in the cemetery’s alleys, where visitors’ eyes become more sensitive to the details and history of each monument.

The Metropole of Rouen Normandie is one of the few in France to offer a visit to its cemeteries by candlelight. As night falls, the darkness offers an unprecedented intimacy, and the monumental cemetery is imbued with a romantic atmosphere that would not have displeased Victor Hugo.

With respect for the site, the guide-conférencier invites you to follow the beam of his torch to discover the funerary heritage and a few personality tombs. Here and there, candles illuminate the stained glass windows from inside the chapels or accentuate the shadows of the many sculptures adorning the steles.

A surprising tour that transports visitors out of time.

Among the many anecdotes and little stories told by the guide, it was those around the styles of the Duchamp family that we really enjoyed. Marcel Duchamp, an artist with a caustic sense of humor, is still adored by art lovers.

As witnessed at his grave, the many objects paying tribute to the artist and his best-known works. Through these attentions, the spirit of Marcel Duchamp still hovers over this small corner of Rouen’s monumental cemetery.

The guide also tells us that Marcel Duchamp’s world-renowned work can be seen in part at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen.