VD031 Walk: Picpus Cemetery and the Nation District: An Historical Walk in the 12th District

During the French Revolution and the reign of Terror, the Place de la Nation (originally called the Throne Square) saw the use of the famous Guillotine. More than one thousand people were executed between 1793 and 1794.

Not far from here, the small and private Cemetery of Picpus keeps the remains of thousands of them, including some notable figures: Lavoisier, father of modern Chemistry, Alexandre de Beauharnais, the first husband of Josephine, Richard Mique, the famous gardener of the domain of Trianon, and last but not least, the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the French and American Revolutions also lies here.

Around the Nation Square, we will mention the history of Paris under the Revolution and the Republique. The famous 'Foire au Pain d'Epices' also known as the 'Foire du Trône' was held there yearly

Join us on this historical walk in the 12th district

Instructor: Catherine Estivalezes holds a PhD in British and American Studies from the Sorbonne and has been involved for years in a foundation for promoting contemporary art, before getting back to art history studies. She has several years of experience in guiding, including districts, monuments, museums, and temporary exhibitions.