Consider Square Lèon a chameleon. It has constantly shifted and reshaped itself over the decades. Today we explore its past.
Square Lèon is nestled in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. This green space offers a place for relaxation and recreation. It is located in the Goutte-d’Or neighborhood. The square is accessible via 20, rue des Gardes. The Château Rouge station on line 4 serves it.
Do you know how Square Lèon got its name? It is named after a former property owner. This owner lent his name to the Passage Lèon. The passage no longer exists.
Centuries ago the landscape here looked very different. The “butte des Cinq-Moulins” or “butte des Couronnes” stood here. Around 1750 gypsum quarries and windmills dotted the landscape. These windmills served the Montmartre gypsum quarries. They continued operating until the Restoration. The path leading to them is now Rue Polonceau. One of the windmills called “le petit moulin” stood at the current Rue Saint-Luc. Before the windmills there were vineyards.
The square’s location has undergone significant changes. The garden now occupies the space of the Passage Lèon. Buildings destroyed in the 1970s and 1980s also make up the Square Lèon.
The square first underwent improvements in 1990. It was renovated again in the 2000s. The redesign in 2006 involved local residents. It also included an architect-urbanist. A geographer-demographer and a sociologist also participated. The new design features plantings around a central lawn. Play areas were added for children.
Square Lèon also saw renovations in 2019. Further work took place in 2021-2022.
Square Lèon is more than just a green space. It has ping-pong tables. It also has drinking water points. There is also a playground and a basketball court. Patrons can play chess and checkers on the tables. There is also a football field and a pétanque area. A snack bar offers refreshments.
The square’s history is closely tied to the Goutte-d’Or neighborhood. Only the name of the area reminds us of its green past. Vineyards once covered these slopes. They produced “la Goutte d’or”. This divine wine was well-known. During the reign of Saint-Louis a wine competition took place. They awarded the titles of “pope” and “cardinal”. The wine from Goutte d’Or even received the title of “king”. The City of Paris gifted liters of it to the King of France each year. They gave this gift on his birthday.
Today the Square Lèon offers a green space. It provides relaxation close to home. The plantings surround an accessible lawn. This creates a new place to rest. A planted embankment runs along Rue Saint-Luc. This is one of the prettiest green areas in the square. Visitors can relax on benches in the shade of the trees.
The square boasts diverse vegetation. It includes 188 new trees such as alders and Judas trees. Olive trees add beauty. Silver willows also enhance the square. There are 1500 perennial plants. These include geraniums and bamboos. Also, there are 5000 shrubs such as lavenders and yews.
Most of the existing trees remain. They are mostly deciduous trees. These include birch and cherry trees. Oak and maple trees also populate the square. Some evergreens remain like black pines. The trees have light foliage. This opens the garden to the public space. The high part of the garden is full of seasonal diversity. Remarkable sights mark the entrances to Passage Lèon. Children aged 3 to 12 can enjoy the play areas. These areas have been enlarged and set in new greenery. Teenagers can play ball games on renovated fields. These fields have better soundproofed ball guards. Ping-pong enthusiasts and checkers players will also enjoy themselves.
We conclude our tour of Square Lèon. It is a reminder of the past. It is also a vibrant place for the present.