Auguste Vitu, born in 1823, was one of those republican journalists whose newspapers were born and died to the rhythm of imperial seizures. He founded L'Étendard, edited Le Peuple français, wrote books on Paris at the moment when Haussmann was making it unrecognisable from one year to the next. He died in 1891. His stone bears two words and nothing else: “Famille VITU”.
The story
Auguste Vitu founded L'Étendard, then took over as editor-in-chief of the Peuple français in 1869, at the request of Napoleon III himself. He had begun as a working typesetter, setting other men's words before writing his own.
Born in 1823, Auguste Charles Vitu also wrote a great many prefaces and books about Paris. The city was a subject in itself just then: Haussmann's works made it less recognisable every year, and it had to be described before it vanished.
He died in 1891, under a Republic he had never wanted. His stone in Division 46 carries only two words: “Famille VITU.” No first name, no dates, no newspaper.
The grave
An inscription of two words: “Famille VITU.” No first name, no dates, no profession. The founder of L'Étendard, editor-in-chief of Le Peuple français and author of works on Paris rests under one of the most silent stones in his Division — the fate of several journalists in the cemetery, among them Jules Cornély, whose resting place is not even known.
On site, do not miss
Two carved words: “Famille VITU.” No first name, no dates, no mention of the journalist's trade.
Visitors' questions
Where is Auguste Vitu's grave?
In Division 46, Avenue Transversale No. 1, second row. The inscription runs to two words — “Famille VITU” — no forename, no dates, no hint of the journalist. He died in 1891.
Claude Vignon, Division 46Which papers did he run?
He founded L'Étendard and was editor-in-chief of Le Peuple français — two titles of the Second Empire press, which the regime brought to life and killed off at the rhythm of its seizures.
Jules CornélyWhat did he write about Paris?
Books on the city, and a great many prefaces. Paris was a subject in itself by then: Haussmann's works made it less recognisable every year, and it had to be described before it changed.
HaussmannWas he a republican?
He was, a republican journalist under an imperial regime — which is why his papers were so fragile. He died in 1891, at sixty-eight, more than twenty years after the coming of the Republic he had argued for.
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