An innovative design to meet the city’s needs
Located in the 12th arrondissement of Marseille, the Nécropole des Vaudrans spans over 40 hectares, providing a space for reflection in perfect harmony with nature. Designed to meet the growing needs of the city, this landscaped cemetery stands out for its landscape integration and respect for various confessions.
An innovative design for a landscaped cemetery
Inaugurated in 1983, the Nécropole des Vaudrans was developed in three successive phases. The first phase, covering 12 hectares, introduced an innovative concept in France: plots laid out parallel to the contour lines of the hillside, creating 17 small cemeteries nestled within the vegetation. This approach breaks away from the traditional grid pattern of urban cemeteries, promoting a more natural and serene atmosphere.
The second phase, initiated in 1987, continued this approach by considering community aspects, with the creation of confession squares dedicated to the different religions present in Marseille. Finally, the third phase, inaugurated in 2008, brought the total area to 40.5 hectares, with the addition of 1,600 family tombs, 2,450 elevated niches, as well as specific spaces for Jewish and Muslim confessions.
A place rich in history
Before becoming a necropolis, the site of Vaudrans housed the Château Vaudran, built in 1880 by Mr. Jouvin, a prosperous shipbuilding industrialist from Marseille. The estate, then spanning 14 hectares, was acquired by the city in 1971 to establish the current cemetery. The castle, for its part, was demolished in 1976, making way for this space of memory and reflection.
Exemplary landscape integration
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Nécropole des Vaudrans is its harmonious integration into the Provençal landscape. The burial modules, designed as small hamlets with shaded squares, are hidden among the Mediterranean vegetation, offering visitors stunning views of the Huveaune valley and, in the distance, the bay of Marseille. This design aims to minimize the visual impact of funeral structures, allowing the graves to blend into the rocky terrain without exceeding the skyline.
Practical information
The Nécropole des Vaudrans is located at Allée des Vaudrans, 13012 Marseille. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For any additional information, you can contact the cemetery at 04 91 88 08 44.
By visiting the Nécropole des Vaudrans, one discovers a place where the memory of the deceased coexists harmoniously with natural beauty, offering a unique space for reflection.
