Square Dunois

Did you hear about the time a movie crew transformed Square Dunois into a bustling marketplace? It wasn’t for a historical drama, oddly enough. It was for a science fiction film set in a distant future. The irony wasn’t lost on the residents of Square Dunois, this little pocket of the 13th arrondissement. Square Dunois isn’t exactly known for its futuristic vibes. It’s more of a place where you pop down to the local pharmacy or hair salon. Or perhaps you’re taking the kids to the ludothèque, a game library that’s a popular spot for families in the square. Square Dunois is a relatively young addition to Paris, created in 1974. Its name echoes a much older story, though. It takes its name from the nearby Rue Dunois. And Rue Dunois, in turn, honors a true medieval hero, Jean de Dunois, the Bastard of Orléans. This wasn’t an insult, by the way. It simply acknowledged his birth outside of marriage. He was a companion-at-arms of Joan of Arc, fighting alongside her to liberate France from the English. So, as you wander through Square Dunois, remember this connection to France’s rich past. It’s there, hidden beneath the modern façade. A quiet square in the 13th, linked to a warrior who fought for France’s very soul. It’s just one of those little secrets that make exploring Paris so rewarding.