“Who was Lèon Frapié?” I ask. It is a question many ask when they first arrive here at Square Lèon-Frapié. This square offers a green escape in Paris’s 20th arrondissement. Let’s explore the history and charm of this urban oasis together.
Square Lèon-Frapié is a park in the Saint-Fargeau quarter. You can find its entrance at 5 rue de Noisy-Le-Sec. It is accessible by the metro line 3bis at the Saint-Fargeau station. Lines 3bis and 11 also serve the Porte des Lilas station nearby.
This square pays tribute to the French novelist Lèon Frapié. He lived from 1863 to 1949 and his works are still read today. The Square Lèon-Frapié was created in 1973. It spans an area of 14030 square meters offering a substantial green space for locals and visitors.
In 2006, the Square Lèon-Frapié underwent a complete renovation. This transformation aimed to revitalize the Fougères neighborhood. As part of the project, some large apartment buildings were demolished. The square became a central feature of the renewed area. Square Lèon-Frapié acts as a link between Paris and Les Lilas. It also provides a refreshing green space near the busy boulevard périphérique.
The renovation of Square Lèon-Frapié was the final step in a significant urban renewal project. The City of Paris and OPAC began this project in 1993. The architect Pierre Riboulet led the design. The central mall serves as the garden’s main axis. It connects Rue des Fougères and Rue Evariste-Gallois.
This mall is lined with plane trees and numerous benches inviting visitors to relax. A small granite canal runs alongside the mall. To the north of the mall, a wisteria-covered trellis offers a shady resting spot. Children and teenagers can enjoy playgrounds in protected areas. These play areas feature plane trees and climbing plants. Younger children have climbing structures. Older kids can use ping-pong tables, a handball court, and a basketball court.
In the summer, the space under the trellis turns into a rain garden. This feature cools down the area. An ingenious mechanism creates a wall of water droplets intermittently. The water is collected in the canal stored underground and reused for garden irrigation. A foliage garden displays giant perennials providing a lush backdrop. This garden screens the ball courts creating a pleasant summer landscape.
South of the mall, there are two large lawns. A side alley and a small wood follow. The main lawn retains many of its original pines. These trees offer shaded areas. The lawn on the concrete slab offers a contrast. It is a sunny space with alternating strips of grasses and bulbous plants. The grass garden creates a green barrier between Rue Lèon-Frapié and the Square Lèon-Frapié. The small country wood features shrubs and large flowering bushes like lilacs, buddleias, and mock oranges.
Square Lèon-Frapié is more than just a park. It is a place of recreation and relaxation. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It features a basketball court and ping-pong tables. Drinking water is available. The transformation of Square Lèon-Frapié has truly given a new face to the Fougères quarter. So, take a moment to appreciate this green haven named after a celebrated novelist. Enjoy the blend of nature and urban life that Square Lèon-Frapié offers.