La vie secrète d'un cimetière

by Benoît Gallot

Chaque ville et chaque village a son cimetière. Mais avec ses 43 hectares, le Père-Lachaise, à Paris, est le site de tous les superlatifs. C'est le plus grand espace vert intra-muros et le cimetière le plus visité du monde. Parmi ses quelque 70 000 sépultures figurent celles de Molière, de Jean de La Fontaine, d'Édith Piaf, d'Oscar Wilde, de Jim Morrison, et de tant d'autres célébrités.
Conservateur du lieu, Benoît Gallot vit au Père-Lachaise avec sa femme et ses enfants. Il arpente sans relâche ses allées aux 4 000 arbres de 80 essences différentes. Il apprend à reconnaître la soixantaine d'espèces d'oiseaux qui y nichent. Un soir d'avril 2020, en pleine pandémie, il fait une rencontre insolite : une boule de poils rousse s'échappe d'un buisson. Des renards au cœur de la capitale ! Il commence à prendre des photos de la faune et de la flore. Son compte Instagram s'envole. Les messages se multiplient, les questions aussi.
Alors Benoît Gallot décide d'écrire ce livre, pour raconter la vie secrète d'un cimetière, son quotidien tour à tour insolite, poignant ou étonnant. Il rend hommage aux gardiens, fossoyeurs, cantonniers et autres travailleurs de l'ombre qui s'activent pour que, à la Toussaint, les usagers n'aient plus qu'à changer l'eau des fleurs...

Genres: Nonfiction, History, France, Memoir, Art, Nature, Death

243 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 7, 2024

Reviews

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Estelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai adoré cette lecture, captivante, fascinante, facile à lire et riche en apprentissages. Un très beau voyage, tendre, mélancolique et drôle dans ce beau cimetière mais aussi à la rencontre de ceux qui le peuplent... un coup de coeur.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book about a French cemetery and its curator, his background and mission, and history of the land, this cemetary and the changes over the years. Very interesting. Lots of well known people buried there, including, supposedly Jim Morrison. I loved hearing how the wildlife is coming into the cemetery, bringing life to the land of the dead.

[Ellen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read, really interesting. It almost made me want to go to Paris, just to visit Pere Lachaise. Almost.

For Janet A: the translation was FABULOUS.

[Alice Stellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of anything related to Paris and its history, and a fan of long walks through Père Lachaise cemetery, I was SO EXCITED when this book came out a few months ago! In many ways, it didn't disappoint.

First off, the book itself is surprisingly lovely, full of full-color copies of Gallot's Instagram photos, including many of the cemetery's now-famous foxes. Original ink chapter head drawings by illustrator Daniel Casanave lend even more charm to it. This is definitely a book to buy in its print version, if possible!

As for the most important part, the text itself: I learned a lot about the iconic cemetery and its history. There were things that surprised even me, a diehard fan. In some cases, this knowledge shattered some of my illusions (For instance: Contrary to popular belief, Gallot states that the stone genitalia that was removed from Oscar Wilde's angel tombstone for indecency in the early 20th century, does not currently serve as a paperweight in his office).

It was also surprising to learn what it's like to actually live there (Gallot is the cemetery's conservator and he and his family are housed inside).

My only criticism is that while Gallot does occasionally wax poetic, this is relatively rare. Père Lachaise may be a source of beauty, fascination, and inspiration for many, including Gallot himself, but he writes more like the serious government employee he is than the poet I sort of expected him to be. On the plus side, this allows for clear, easy-to-understand writing. But on the other, you sometimes feel something is missing.

....Then again, maybe that just gives me incentive to go on another walk through Père Lachaise to soak up the ambiance myself, something this book will doubtlessly make many others feel as well.

Overall, La vie sècrete d'un cimitière is a pleasant, interesting reading experience and its niche knowledge make it a book that should be on the shelves of any lover of Paris and its history.

[The Sporty Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nommé conservateur du cimetière du père Lachaise à Paris, Benoît Gallot se met rapidement au travail pour gérer les concessions, administrer le personnel, faire régler le droit funéraire sur ses ouailles. L'interdiction des produits phytosanitaires dans les cimetières dont le plus célèbre d'entre eux entraîne des conséquences positives : la diversité végétale reprend le dessus, le nombre d'espèces animales augmentent. C'est alors que Benoît Gallot tombe sur une famille de renards en plein Paris, renardeaux compris. Il prend ainsi son appareil photo pour faire part de ses trouvailles sur Instagram : renards, belettes, oiseaux, statues, arbres remarquables... Ce livre est une vulgarisation d'un cimetière pour les non-initiés : l'administratif autant que l'humain, les considérations écologiques comme le côté bling bling des inhumations des stars, la période de la Toussaint comme les tournages de film, sans oublier les anecdotes des gothiques, sataniques et autres détraqués. C'est un livre correct et pas désagréable à lire toutefois si vous avez déjà eu le bonheur de visiter le père Lachaise et le malheur de gérer les funérailles d'un de vos proches, vous n'allez pas apprendre grand chose.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Un très bon livre qui fait découvrir les cimetières autrement et qui montre l'évolution même du point de vue de ceux qui s'en occupent au quotidien. S'y ajoutent également, parfois, des réflexions sur la vie et sur les préoccupations des êtres humains qui changent, ainsi que leur conception de la mort et l'idée que les cimetières sont des lieux de tristesse avant tout.

J'ai aimé découvrir certaines anecdotes et en apprendre plus sur l'histoire du Père Lachaise. J'ai peut-être, parfois, eu un peu de mal avec l'écriture de l'auteur, mais je pense avoir lu ce livre au mauvais moment, dans la précipitation, sans en profiter. Peut-être le relirai-je plus posément plus tard.

Dans tous les cas, l'auteur m'a donné très envie de visiter son cimetière et d'y rêver l'apparition de renards et de chats !

[Mathilde (dailytopas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonne lecture ! Je ne m’attendais pas à autant d’histoire sur le cimetière et la vie globale du mortuaire mais je suis agréable surprise. J’ai appris énormément pendant ma lecture et c’était très divertissant.

J’aimais déjà beaucoup le père Lachaise pour son ambiance et depuis peu j’ai appris que mon grand père travaillait dans une imprimerie juste à côté et qu’il emmenait mon père passer les midis dans ce magnifique endroit, ce qui me fait l’aimer encore plus.


Merci aux éditions les Arènes pour l’envoi de ce livre !

[Carrie Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely charming book. From the personal stories to the professional descriptions to the fun trivia, this book has it all. And adorable animals to boot! I visited in 2010 and now I just want to go again.

[Janet Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely little book is written by the curator of Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Benoît Gallot. He has held this position since 2018 and his family lives in an apartment on the grounds of the cemetery. He was born on Halloween to a family of funerary stonemasons so it seems he was meant to do this job.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris and was opened in 1804 under a decree by Napoleon reforming burial practices. It covers 110 acres and is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike as it is also a green space in the middle of Paris with cobblestone walkways and trees. Some of its most famous “residents” are: Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, Olivia de Havilland, Marcel Proust, Moliere, Honore de Balzac, Georges Bizet. There are many others both notable and unknown.

In 2015, France stopped using pesticides and herbicides in public spaces. This change has allowed the space to “rewild” as wildflowers and wildlife not seen within the city limits have made a comeback. Gallot spotted a fox cub while walking the grounds during the pandemic. He started sharing photos of the wildlife he encountered and was encouraged to write a book. It’s clear he loves this place and his chosen profession in the funeral industry. The book is a celebration of life that takes place among the graves.

This is on my list of planned places to visit while I’m in Paris next month. All Saints Day (November 1) is one of the most popular days to go and I will be there during this time. Note that this is a working cemetery and if you go, please be respectful. There are more than a few stories about poorly behaved people in the cemetery. 4⭐️

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gallot has been the curator of Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris since 2018. The resting place of so many notable celebrities, such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, it is often a destination for tourists. In Secret Life of a Cemetery, Gallot takes you behind the scenes and captures not only what it means to be an iconic destination, but also what it means to serve people in times of loss and grief. Cemeteries are often natural spaces as well in urban environments. Between the impact of ending the use of herbicides and pesticides in the cemetery and the closure to the public during the lockdowns, some of the biodiversity of the space returned and the author also reflects on his observations of foxes, birds. and martens. Gallot is also a photographer and the book is illustrated with some of his beautiful photos. it's not often that I would recommend a book about a cemetery as travel writing, but this one absolutely made me want to return to Paris for a visit.

[Tartiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parti d’une curiosité sur la vie animale du cimetière du Père Lachaise, je me suis retrouvé à lire ce qui en réalité un mélange d’autobiographie et de vulgarisation sur le fonctionnement de ce très célèbre lieu funéraire.
Ce qui n’est absolument pas un défaut car c’est l’occasion d’en apprendre énormément et de voir les cimetières en général, ainsi que son propre rapport à la mort, sous un regard nouveau.
Le style est simple mais toujours efficace et authentique, voir drôle! On est régulièrement transporté dans les allées du cimetière aux côtés de ses employés, de ses animaux en pleine reconquête du territoire et même dans sa longue histoire.

Riche, mine de rien, modestement transformateur.

[Alexandre Andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sem outras pretensões a não ser instruir de forma agradável, e fazendo bom uso do conhecimento de causa, o autor, conservador do cemitério do Père-Lachaise, em Paris, explica-nos os desafios inerentes à gestão deste espaço e à manutenção do equilíbrio entre o indispensável recato e a acessibilidade daquela que é uma das principais atracções turísticas da cidade. Não faltam pequenas anedotas sobre alguns dos pontos de maior interesse, com destaque para as sepulturas de Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde ou Proust, mas há também observações sobre a fauna e a flora, outrora proscritas por serem consideradas incompatíveis com o respeito pelos mortos, agora encorajadas e celebradas. É, acima de tudo, interessante perceber o que a existência deste espaço, e a sua plena integração no tecido da cidade, devem a políticas públicas robustas e ao trabalho diário de uma equipa vasta.

[Joanne Gass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I expected more about the fascinating occupants of Pere Le Chaise than the actually really interesting details of a life lived taking care of the place. But I enjoyed getting to know this very fascinating man, so cudos to him.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75/5✨

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

May this be the closest I get to following an 'influencer' (aka shil) on Instagram. Anyway, I go through many a book review as part and parcel of my workload, and the fact that so many of them are devoted to the white, the cishet, and the English makes me seek out everything else all the more. When this work popped up, it combined my interest in translation with my hope for the concept of 'rewilding', while also appealing to my inherently morbid personality and more limited curiosity about the (status quo) lates and greats. It wasn't the easiest book to get a hold of, but fortunately, a patron at my workplace was interested enough to put in a purchase suggestion, after which I more than happily paved the way for this work's acquisition.

With 20 chapters crammed into barely 200 pages, this is far more of a series of short form exercises than the sort of sustained metaphysical deep dive a piece centered around a cemetery could easily become. Much as the latter appeals far more to my aesthetics, I recognize the former as much better for my brain these days, so I was happy with the conversational tone and accessible vocabulary, replete with fun fact side expositions and generous two page photograph spreads of some of the furred and feathered favorites that I imagine first premiered on Gallot's Instagram. My favorite parts consisted of the author discussing the ban on pesticides in French cemeteries that eventually led to the inspiration for this work and the creation of much of its content. I especially appreciated his frank admittance that he had been more than a little resistant to the incipient "rewilding," which is probably my union steward side showing a little strongly. Other favored topics of mine orient themselves around the place of death in society, my views summed up by my absolute favorite movie Okuribito (Departures), where a musician finds his way into the socially demonized position of nōkanshi, or traditional Japanese ritual mortician, and discovers the value (if a tad on the vocational awe side) of the work. For death continues to hound my steps from depression to Covid to its most recent incarnation of cancer, and the best coping mechanisms I've found ground the specific instance with the greater whole, a task that this book, even when kitschily discussing QR codes on grave stones, does in spades.

So, while this text certainly smacks of the more superficial aspects of modern pop culture, its overall manner of handling the subject material is anything but. Gallot presents both his know how and his ignorance in such an approachable way that I'm not surprised that he's successfully served as curator for one of the greatest cemeteries on planet Earth for as long as he has. All in all, this is a short and, dare I say it, sweet book that touches on many a tragic finality with delicate finesse, and while I don't agree at all with Gallot's faith in police culture, I do respect his holistic undertaking of the myriad aspects of his position, especially the human ones. As such, if you're interested in reading this yourself, it's worth requesting it via purchase suggestion or other such means through your local library. You never know which behind the scenes collection developer will be more than happy to make your day.

Though Père-Lachaise is an undeniable tourist attraction, it's not an amusement park. Regardless of what people think, it's still a cemetery. Ironically, Disney's administration recently had to remind guests that its amusement parks weren't...cemeteries! Particularly in the United States, where visitors have taken to spreading the ashes of loved ones near their favorite rides. To each their own problems.

[Emily Poche · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the conversations about different topics in death and funeral customs, sometimes things stray too wide and attempt to make a shallow point about every possible topic. This book is the opposite. It’s a deep, specific look into one single cemetery from a single point of view. To be fair, it’s a very, very interesting cemetery that merits entire books.

The author is very careful in the blending his own personal experiences in the funeral industry with the information about the graves and stories in Père Lachaise. This never feels like a book about him, but rather a gentle guiding by a true authority. He’s a welcome presence, using personal anecdotes to keep this from feeling like a guidebook.

I think that one of the most interesting elements of the book that was unexpected was the explanation of how the modern, functioning cemetery element works. I think there’s a misconception by tourists and visitors outside of Paris that the cemetery is full, a museum outdoors. This gave a portrait of Père Lachaise as a complex, living organism. The entire book actually paints a picture of how complex the functioning is with gardeners, grave diggers, administrators, and more.

If I had any complaint with the book it’s that it’s so brief. I loved learning about the wildlife hidden between the plots (especially the parrots?) and the different monuments.

For me it’s a 4.5/5. To be fair, I was absolutely thrilled by how beautiful the funerary art and sprawling avenues were when I visited roughly a decade ago. I think just how evocative this book was would have me give it a positive rating.

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Secret Life of a Cemetery: The Wild Nature and Enchanting Lore of Père-Lachaise
Author: Benoît Gallot
Source: Bookstore Purchase
Publication Date: April 29, 2025

This book was written by the head sexton/curator of the most famous cemetery in the world, located in the heart of Paris, France. His love for the graveyard is evident, and I slowly read through this little novel, bookmarking interesting parts with a zillion sticky notes.

I have always loved cemeteries. I like to read the headstones and wonder about the residents resting at their final earthly home. This book did not disappoint. Founded during Napoleon’s reign, it is the most visited cemetery in the world, and its list of notable residents includes Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. There are more, but you need to read the book.

Even in my hometown of Orlando, Florida (home to my parents and some surprising dignitaries), our historical cemetery is a living, breathing microcosm of life and death. Foxes, birds, bald eagles, architecture, epitaphs, feral cats, as nature and life comes and goes. That is the beauty of a cemetery. As Benoit shares in his book, it is still a place of rest, yet brimming with life, including tourists, walkers, runners, picnickers, etc. This book presents a new way to reflect on some enchanting real estate. It is not a place of fear or ghosts. It’s a place of rest for those who have crossed over and a place of life for those who want to revel in the quiet beauty of nature—dust to dust.

#TheSecretlifeOfACemetery #paris #restingplace #greystonebooks #architecture #sanctuary #solitude #nature #life @la_vie_au_cimetiere #loss #history #memoir #art #nature #france #death 🇫🇷

[Erica Naone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My experience with this book is a testament to why browsing physical bookstores is good. I would never have looked for this book and no algorithm would have suggested it to me based on my reading habits. But I saw it on a display at sundial books on chincoteague and was intrigued. What a delightful book! I tormented my partner by continually reading passages aloud. The author is quite funny at times, but at the same time humane and filled with deep reverence for the service provided by his profession - the death care industry. He is knowledgeable and interesting on the subject of cemeteries. Then his observations of ecology in cemeteries and the changing role of these spaces is insightful and inspiring. The book is a breeze to read, with gorgeous black and white photographs throughout. If anything would ever help a person make friends with cemeteries it is this book. So glad I found it.

[AvoKalif · Rating 4 out of 5]

C’est un très joli récit que celui que nous offre Benoît Gallot @la_vie_au_cimetiere : sa vie, son travail, les animaux et la flore qui l’entourent, et le rapport à la mort qui n’est pesant ni malaisant. Le ton est souvent empreint de poésie, surtout pour parler des défunts ou des rencontres avec les petits animaux qui peuplent ses observations. Cela m’a donné envie de déambuler à nouveau au #perelachaise comme j’ai pu le faire plus jeune. J’ai même imaginé me procurer un appareil photo (oui un vrai !)

[Myriam Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

De par son sujet, tout simplement, et son originalité, ce livre est un petit bijou pour qui aime les cimetières. Après cette lecture, on n’a qu’une envie, celle de s’envoler vers Paris et aller voir de visu cet écosystème alliant histoire, végétation et faune urbaine.

J’ai particulièrement aimé comment l’information il est traité, nous permettant d’en apprendre plus sur le monde du funéraire, tout autant que sur l’écosystème du cimetière.

[Gerardine Betancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a lot of books about cemeteries, but The Secret Life of a Cemetery might be one of my favorites. It’s a mix of history, wild nature, and beauty. It made me see cemeteries in a whole new way—peaceful, full of life, and kind of magical.
My dream is to someday see Père Lachaise in person.
5 stars
Highly recommend if you like morbid books and nature.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun and entertaining read - I know, I know it's about a cemetery! But, the author is the curator at one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and managed to describe his job in a relatable and laugh out loud funny way, without being disrespectful or flippant. If you have any interest in Paris or the funerary industry, I would recommend this quick read.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benoit Gallot, former lawyer and current curator of one of the world's most famous cemeteries, Pere-Lachaise, shares the details of busy but (mostly) peaceful days in a working cemetery.
This was a very interesting exploration of the history, myths, and nature of Pere-Lachaise!

[noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet love letter to one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. This is probably the least somber book about death or a related industry that I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot of books about death. The interspersed photographs of wildlife are really cute. Another review described the author’s tone as “administrative”, which I agree with, but I never found it to be lacking passion. 4.5/5

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially interesting to me, as we were just there in May. This is a sweet, easily readable book about the most famous cemetery in France, and possibly the world. It is a beautiful , almost magical place, and I was so glad to learn that they had banned pesticides in 2015. The natural world is making itself at home in this final home to so many incredible people.

[Skailer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gentlest and most tender book about death I have had the pleasure of reading.

[Karine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never been to Pere Lachaise (hopefully someday!) but as a cemetery fan, I couldn’t pass this one up. Written as a memoir by the head curator, this is easily readable with interesting tidbits. The author is also an amateur photographer, so it includes a lot of his own pictures. I hope one day he’ll publish a photo book with full color, glossy pictures and accompanying text!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned quite a few things about the doings of cemeteries.. such as the spreading of cremains in a designated area as an option. It’s an eco-friendly “burial” that are cremained stripes across a plot of land near the back of the cemetery. They fertilize the grass as they integrate into the earth. Love!!
Also interesting reading a bit about those interned, stone adornment & symbolism, and how the cemetery has become more nature oriented over the years.
Gallot gives us info on the life of being a caretaker and working in the field of death.
Interesting reading.