Green tombs in a traditional cemetery

At the Saint-Lazare cemetery in Montpellier, marble and stone are common, but this area has fewer of them. Margot Bergerol, a funeral landscape designer, explains that they are in the full-ground concession area, where traditional stone monuments are less frequent.

A living alternative to traditional tombs

In front of Margot Bergerol, a unique tomb stands out: a metal frame with plants and pebbles at its center. A small olive tree's leaves brush against the tombstone, which remains in the shade. This design was created by Bergerol herself through her company Cimetière en fleurs, which she founded in 2024.

Ecological tombs and biodiversity

Émilie Huertas, founder of the startup De la terre au ciel, also promotes green tombs. She describes them as an ecological concept because they are living, breathing, and long-lasting. These tombs can attract pollinating insects, helping both nature and humans.

Challenges of awareness and acceptance

Both Bergerol and Huertas say the concept is not widely accepted yet. They believe people are not uninterested but simply unaware of the idea. Huertas, who works part-time as an AESH in a high school to support her income, emphasizes the need for more communication to raise awareness.

Eco-friendly funeral practices gaining traction

In addition to green tombs, eco-friendly funeral services are becoming more common. Some companies now offer cardboard coffins made from recycled paper or cellulose. These coffins are completely biodegradable, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wooden coffins.