“This alley seems too short to have a story,” I hear you say. Yet, Square de Robiac holds secrets. This small street in Paris’s 7th arrondissement has a tale to tell. Square de Robiac may appear unassuming. It stretches just 50 meters long and 12.05 meters wide. But its history is rich.
Let’s step back to 1923. That’s when Square de Robiac officially opened. The street is named after Robiac. Robiac is a commune in the Gard department of France.
But Square de Robiac’s claim to fame involves a literary giant. James Joyce, the Irish writer, lived here. From 1925 to 1931, Number 2 Square de Robiac was his Paris home. This was the longest he resided at any Paris address.
Imagine Joyce in his apartment here. It was just off Rue de Grenelle. His sponsor was shocked by the chaos during renovations. Despite the mess, it was spacious. It was also in a prestigious area.
Joyce unpacked his belongings here. He hung his Dublin artwork. He set to work on his next novel. That novel would become *Finnegans Wake*. At the time it was only known as *A Work in Progress*.
While living at Square de Robiac, Sylvia Beach published his poems. The collection was called *Pomes Penyeach* and came out in 1927. The rent doubled that year. Joyce stayed. But he kept asking Beach for more money. This strained their relationship.
Ernest Hemingway played a role in Joyce’s life here. He introduced Joyce to new publishers. They were an American couple. Harry and Caresse Crosby lived and worked in Paris.
Joyce often dined on Boulevard du Montparnasse. He frequented La Coupole. His daughter Lucia loved to dance there.
So, Square de Robiac is more than just an alley. It is a place where James Joyce lived and worked. It’s where he created literary masterpieces. It’s a place where literary friendships evolved. As you stroll this quiet square, remember the echoes of Joyce’s life here.