Jean-Pol Betton in Azé (71), Saône-et-Loire (71)

Jean-Pol Betton (1944-2005) was a painter, sculptor and ceramicist but he doesn't even have a Wikipédia page dedicated to him. His atelier was in Azé, where he is buried. There isn't much information to be found on what seems like a fascinating artist whose work encompassed the Rabelaisian and the grotesque ham acting of La commedia dell'arte. A representation of his head appears on the very odd grave. Around two sides of the grave are the clear thought that his belief is that he has no need for that which is necessary, only that which is superfluous: perhaps an irony, but I hope not: uselessless has the greatest of uses!

Another example of Betton's sculptures on his grave.

Gabriel Jeanton in Azé (Saône-et-Loire (71))

A Lebanese cedar tree initially planted in a private garden in 1821, now in the centre of Azé and declared a historic monument in 1938 due to Gabriel Jeanton's efforts. I'd originally gone to Azé to photo Jeanton's medallion in the mairie, but I should have checked opening hours and the mairie was closed until 16:00 on Thursdays.

Claude Guichard in Azé (Saône-et-Loire (71))

Azé remembers its mathematician son Claude Guichard (1861-1924), who was a pupil in the école communale and became professor of geometry at the Sorbonne. There is also a square in the village dedicated to him.