Picpus Cemetery

Picpus Cemetery is a place filled with powerful stories from both French and American history. Though small in size, it holds the memories of eras marked by revolution and loss.

The Shadows of the French Revolution

This cemetery is home to three mass graves from the time of the French Revolution. Many who died during that turbulent period rest here, including members of France’s noble families. These families, having lost loved ones to the guillotine, have kept the right to be buried at Picpus across generations.

The Legacy of General Lafayette

In one quiet corner of the cemetery, visitors find the tomb of General Lafayette. Known as a close ally of George Washington, Lafayette played a major role in the American Revolution. Buried beside him is his wife, along with several members of her family, the de Noailles. Their lives were deeply affected by their connections to the royal court, leading to tragic losses during the Revolution.

An Enduring Symbol

Since 1834, the American flag has flown above Lafayette’s grave. Remarkably, this tradition continued even through the German occupation of Paris during World War II, serving as a lasting tribute to friendship between nations and to those who shaped history.