The visit of this cemetery makes discover a rare and unknown site, reflection of the history of departmental psychiatry in Mayenne. Situation In the hospital grounds, on the site of La Plaine of the former EDSM (departmental mental health establishment), it is nestled along the greenway (former railway line). Access is through the entrance of the psychiatry at 222 boulevard Paul Lintier. History 1878-2017 The departmental asylum for lunatics of La Roche-Gandon opened in 1858 (after a first construction in 1929). In 1878 he established the cemetery on the other side of the Paris road on the land of the Baudrairie farm which he rented and which he would finish buying in 1888. It must allow the burial of these patients who live in the asylum, often destitute and forgotten by their families. Initially triangular in shape over 6000 m2 and enclosed by walls on two sides, it is today 4200 m 2. On a plan of 1950, 882 locations are counted but, if we add the disused part, it is more than 1200 that should be considered. The last burial dates from 2002 and in 2017, the ashes of Geneviève Féllion are scattered on the grave of her husband, a director doctor then chief doctor buried in 1989. Only six or seven psychiatric cemeteries are preserved in France, three are classified as historical monuments, the most well-known of which is that of Cadillac (Gironde) founded in 1920. Informations The site visit is free, several guided tours will take place at the indicated times.

Address
222 boulevard Paul Lintier 53100 Mayenne, Mayenne, Pays de la Loire, France