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Origin and history

The sepulchral monument of the Marshal of Vaux, also known as a commemorative pyramid, is a cippe in the form of a obelisk erected in the honor of Noël Jourda de Vaux (1705–88), Marshal of France. Originally located in the fields near Wissous, it was built under the Restoration by his daughter, the Marquise de Vaux-Borel, to place the heart of the Marshal there, his body being buried in Returnnac. Limestone obelisk, surrounded by wrought iron fence, carries inscriptions and arms of the family.

Noël Jourda de Vaux received land in Paray-Veille-Poste and Wissous from Louis XV as a reward for his military services, notably for his role in the annexation of Corsica (1769). The monument also housed the tombs of his daughter, the Marquise de Vaux-Borel (d. 1832), and his confessor, Abbé Decory (1837). Expropriated for the extension of Orly airport, he was moved in 1961 to the new cemetery of Paray-Veille-Poste, where he remains today.

Ranked a historic monument since March 14, 1944, this monument illustrates the tribute to a high 18th century graduate. Its transfer reflects tensions between heritage preservation and urban development. The heraldic inscriptions and symbols recall its link with the French monarchy and the military history of the region.

The quadrangular enclosure, consisting of terminals and a grid, protects the obelisk by more than four meters, placed on an inclined base. The sides bear commemorative texts, while the fourth bears the intertwined initials J and V, overcoming the Marshal's weapons. This monument, owned by the municipality, remains accessible within the cemetery.

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