So, continuing our tour of the local cemetery here in Montmartre...
These tombs located under the big, blue bridge seem so sad and neglected.
The communal resting place of an order of monks; latest "arrival" in 2010.
On the opposite side of the bridge is the larger section of the cemetery, and you'll find this rather elegant mausoleum there. I have no idea who's inside.
"J'accuse!" Emile Zola's monument is here... but Zola isn't. While members of his family are interred here (many of whom have the middle name of Emile)...
... Emile himself was initially buried here, but was later moved to the Pantheon along with other great men and women of France; he now shares a crypt with none other than Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas père. Zola unfortunately died of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a blocked chimney at the age of 62.
A very old marker, now enveloped by a tree.
Instead of a heavy stone or marble cover, this grave was decorated more simply with stones, plaques, artificial flowers and a small statue.
The deceased was awarded the Legion d'Honneur. That's something special in France.
Waiting for the rain to stop (it didn't, which is why we eventually headed home), we took shelter under the bridge, looking down an alley where a car was leaving the cemetery. Next time I'll have to explore the part beyond this flowerbed.
It's kind of funny to think that one day, Georges and I could choose to be buried in one of these cemeteries alongside France's famous composers, writers, artists and politicians. I'm not someone who is scared to think about or plan for the inevitable; if anything, my own experience with my late grandmother -- who was very good about planning for her own death -- made me realize that it's a gift to those you leave behind if you can be clear on what you want, and can plan things in advance so other people don't have the pain of making those decisions. Georges' parents are in Père Lachaise, and I suppose the simplest thing would be to arrange to have our own little cubbyhole as near to theirs as possible. No big, fancy marble monuments for us.
Of course, I've already tested out the space at the Pantheon. You know... just in case.
