Whispers of History: Exploring the Cimetière des Capucins in Pondicherry

In the heart of French White Town of Puducherry lies a hidden gem, a testament to centuries of history and the enduring legacy of the Capuchin order: the Cimetière des Capucins, or Capuchins Cemetery. This sacred ground, dating back to 1726, holds within its colorful confines the stories of Pondicherry's past, etched in stone and memory.

Step through the gates of this ancient cemetery, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of bygone eras. Here lie the final resting places of notable figures from the 18th century, their graves adorned with weathered tombstones that whisper tales of days long past.

Among the silent sentinels of the cemetery stand the graves of Governor Prosper de Chermont, Vice Governor Simon Lagrenée de Mézière, and even a 17th-century soldier named Jacques Lhyuer. Each tombstone bears witness to the passage of centuries and the stories of those who once walked the streets of Pondicherry.

As you wander through the rows of graves, you'll come across the Boyelleau family epitaphs, a poignant reminder of lives lived and loves lost. André Boyelleau, former Bank Director, his wife Jeanne Boyelleau, and their son Simon Lagrenée Mezieres, rest side by side, their legacies intertwined with the fabric of Pondicherry's history.

In the heart of the cemetery stands the memorial of Charles Joseph Patissier de Bussy, the Governor General of the French colony of Pondicherry from 1783 to 1785. His memorial, a testament to his influence and power, serves as a focal point for visitors seeking to uncover the secrets of Pondicherry's past.

The oldest tombstone is that of Jacques Lhyuer in 1703, which was obviously transferred from the old Christian cemetery.

This cemetery belongs to Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, or Our Lady of Angels Church. To know more about this church and Capuchins, please click this link.

Formerly known as Capuchins Street, Romain Rolland Street now winds its way through the cemetery, a symbol of the Capuchins' enduring presence in Pondicherry. 

For in the Cimetière des Capucins, the past lives on, etched in stone and memory, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to seek it.

Happy travelling.