EASTERN CEMETERY

In the north-east of Lille, between the Euralille centre and Saint-Maurice-Pellevoisin district, the Eastern cemetery covers 22 hectares. He is one of the oldest cemeteries of this size in France and probably one of the most beautiful in the region. In 1779, the year of its creation, it was still only a very wooded park belonging to a family that wanted the place to retain its landscape. Of the 36 000 concessions in the cemetery, visitors can discover the names of the great men who have made the region famous. Next to the tomb of Alexander Desrousseaux, author of the famous P'tit Quinquin, lies the grave of former Prime Minister and MP Pierre Mauroy, who has since 2013 given his name at the great stadium of the city. Other prominent personalities buried in the Eastern cemetery are Professor Oscar Lambret, creator of the Lille Cancer Centre and the original administrator of the city's hospital city, but also the architect of the Hotel Castiaux, Emile Vandenbergh, and former Minister Roger Salengro. Upon his death, his great friend Léon Blum paid tribute to him, welcoming «a popular and modest socialist». Walking through the aisles of this great cemetery is the history of the city and the history of France, but it also has a great architectural heritage. The visitor will particularly appreciate the tombs and funeral chapels of artists and musicians near the main entrance.