Hidden in the heart of Paris’s 20th arrondissement lies Square Sacha Guitry a charming square with a rich history. This unassuming green space holds a secret. It’s built on the site of a former gas factory. Imagine the soot-stained brick walls the acrid smell of gas. The square wasn’t always a tranquil haven.
Before its transformation the area housed the Saint-Mandé gasworks. This factory was a crucial part of Paris’s infrastructure in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It fueled the city’s lights and stoves. However its operation came at a cost. Working conditions were harsh. Accidents involving burns from coke and tar were commonplace. The air was thick with pollution. Locals suffered the consequences.
The gasworks eventually closed in 1930-1931. The land was then cleared. The site was repurposed. In its place rose affordable housing projects. The squares Rejane and Sarah Bernhardt were created. These green spaces offered a stark contrast to the industrial past.
Square Sacha Guitry features several buildings from the 1930s. These are built of pink concrete. They have elegant curved lines. A music kiosk stands proudly in the middle. Its walls are decorated with mosaics. These depict Orpheus and musical instruments. A large shelter in the northeast corner features another mosaic. This one shows animals from various continents.
There is a mystery surrounding a peculiar obelisk in the southeast corner. It was already there in 1936. However there’s no mention of it in the original 1934 plans. The planned features included a fountain a music kiosk and the shelter. The fountain was 33 meters in diameter. It soon fell into disrepair. Today it’s a children’s playground.
The naming of the streets in this area is also fascinating. Many are named after theatrical figures. This reflects the transformation from an industrial zone to a residential one. Rue Mounet-Sully Rue Félix Huguenet and Rue Lucien Guitry are all examples. The square’s name itself is a tribute to Sacha Guitry. He was the son of the actor Lucien Guitry. The renaming erased the memory of the gasworks. It replaced it with the memory of theatrical greats. The transformation of this square is a symbol of Paris’s ability to reinvent itself. The story hidden beneath this serene spot is one of grit resilience and transformation. A lasting tribute to the past and a promise of the future.