Access: from the 2nd Transversale, take the small alley that runs beside André Gill's grave, at the end of which you will find Eugène Pottier's grave on your left. (Div. 95)

Born in Paris in 1816, a cloth designer, he wrote poems and songs from an early age. After taking part in the 1848 revolution, he prospered and founded a trade union which joined the International Association of Workers. During the 1870 war, he fought under siege in the National Guard and was a member of its Central Committee. An active member of the Commune (2nd arrondissement), he was a member of the Artists' Federation  and took part in the fighting during the Bloody Week. In June 1871 that he wrote the well known revolutionary song "The Internationale". Exiled to England and then the United States, he returned in 1880 and contributed to several newspapers. His works were published very late, in the volume "Chants révolutionnaires", the year of his death in miserable conditions in 1887. Set to music the following year, "L'Internationale" did not spread until well after his death.

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