Hidden between two towering modern buildings stands a small stone gate. This unassuming entrance is the Porte des Flamands. It’s a portal to history nestled unexpectedly in Paris’s 19th arrondissement.
The Porte des Flamands is more than just a gate. It’s a relic from the past. It originally served as the entrance to the Cité des Flamands. This was a working-class neighborhood built in the 1850s. The buildings were small. They were nothing like the high-rises that now surround the gate.
In the 1970s the Cité des Flamands was deemed too old. It was unsafe for its inhabitants. The decision was made to demolish the old buildings. New modern housing was built in their place. The resulting complex is known as the Orgues de Flandre. This name reflects the organ-pipe like appearance of the buildings.
Historian François Loyer fought to preserve a piece of the old Cité. He successfully argued to save the gate. It was carefully dismantled stone by stone. Then it was rebuilt forty meters from its original location. The inscription was changed from Cité des Flamands to Porte des Flamands.
Today the Porte des Flamands acts as a focal point. It stands between the two massive buildings. It creates a visual balance. It’s a perfect example of the co-existence of old and new in Paris. The gate serves as a reminder of the city’s constant evolution. It is a small but significant part of Paris’s history. It is a testament to the city’s ability to preserve its past while embracing its future. Don’t miss this architectural curiosity on your visit to Paris.