Have you ever wondered who gets a belvedere named after them? Here at the Belvédère Claude-Gérard Marcus, overlooking the Canal Saint-Martin, we honor a man who shaped the 10th arrondissement. Claude-Gérard Marcus was not just any politician. He was a deputy-mayor of the 10th arrondissement. He served as both mayor and deputy of Paris.
Marcus was born in 1933 and passed away in July 2020. This belvedere was inaugurated in his honor on May 19, 2022. The location is at the angle of Rue La Fayette and Boulevard de la Villette. It specifically overlooks the Canal Saint-Martin.
But why name a belvedere after Claude-Gérard Marcus? He was the first elected mayor of the 10th between 1983 and 1989. He was also a deputy of Paris from 1968 to 1997. Marcus played a crucial role in preserving the memory of the Shoah. He also championed Jewish culture. He co-founded the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme. He even served as its president until 2001.
Marcus left a significant mark on this arrondissement. He defended the Canal Saint-Martin. In the 1960s, there were plans to turn it into a highway. He championed the creation of Jardin Villemin. This garden sits on the former site of a military hospital. He helped modernize the Saint-Louis and Fernand Widal hospitals. Marcus also promoted cultural institutions. These included the Palais des Glaces, Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, and Conservatoire Hector Berlioz.
The creation of the Belvédère Claude-Gérard Marcus wasn’t just a simple decision. In June 2021, the elected officials of the 10th arrondissement voted unanimously to name a place after him. The Council of Paris approved this vote in March 2022.
Even the surrounding area has seen improvements. Between October 2018 and June 2019, the intersection of Rue La Fayette and Quai de Valmy was improved. Clear traffic lanes were created. This made the bike paths safer. The space was widened. This made pedestrian paths more direct. The sidewalk at the corner of Rue La Fayette and Quai de Valmy was enlarged. This shortened the walk to the Canal Saint-Martin. The Louis Blanc basin was enhanced. New greenery was planted.
Claude-Gérard Marcus was truly one of the fathers of the modern 10th arrondissement. He was a man of conviction, a good listener, and a transmitter of knowledge. This belvedere stands as a tribute to his dedication. It serves as a lasting reminder of his contributions to this community. So take a moment to appreciate the view and remember the legacy of Claude-Gérard Marcus.