How about we uncover the secrets of Place Jean Grandel? This square is more than just a space. It’s a place with a history.
Place Jean Grandel stands in Gennevilliers. It’s located in the Village district. You’ll find it where Rue Pierre Timbaud and Rue Félicie meet.
This place wasn’t always Place Jean Grandel. It was first named Place de l’Église. This was because it sat on land belonging to the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church.
Later it became Place de la Mairie. The town hall was located here. The land was reassigned to the municipality. This happened after cemeteries were moved out of the city. The old town hall building still stands today.
In 1944 the square received its current name. It was renamed in honor of Jean Grandel. Grandel was a trade unionist and communist activist. He served as mayor of the city from 1934 to 1939. The Nazis shot him in 1941 in Châteaubriant. He was executed as a hostage with twenty-six other prisoners and activists.
Jean Grandel’s life was dedicated to service. Born in 1891 in Montpellier he had been employed at the PTT. PTT refers to Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones. He was arrested on July 26 1940. He was moved between prisons and camps including La Santé prison and Châteaubriant.
His responsibilities were extensive. He served in the military in 1912. He was a telegraph operator. He participated in campaigns in Morocco. He then fought against Germany.
After World War I he rejoined the PTT. In 1921 he joined the Communist Party. He became secretary of the Plasterers and Cement Workers Union. He was also secretary of the communist cell.
Returning to Paris in 1925 he became involved in the postal trade union. He rose to become secretary of the Postal Federation in 1935. This led to his dismissal from the Administration. Grandel was elected General Councillor in 1934. He was also elected mayor of Gennevilliers.
In 1937 Grandel joined the International Brigades in Spain. He helped aid the fighters. In 1939 the Municipal Council was suspended. This followed the dissolution of the Communist Party. Jean Grandel was dismissed as General Councillor in 1940.
From November 1939 he went into hiding. In June 1940 he created the first group of resistance fighters in the PTT. Even in the camp he encouraged his comrades to learn.
The title of “Interned Resister” was granted to him in 1960. The card of Voluntary Combatant of the Resistance was also awarded.
Today Place Jean Grandel is a pleasant space. From the 1960s to 2011 it served as a free parking lot. But in 2012 it was completely transformed. A fountain with light displays was installed.
At number 8 Place Jean Grandel is the Maison de la Circonscription. This was formerly the office of Alexis Bachelay.
So as you stand here remember Jean Grandel. Remember his dedication to his beliefs. Remember the square’s journey from church land to a modern public space.