Hidden within the 16th arrondissement of Paris lies the enchanting Square d’Urfe. This quiet square holds a secret. It sits on the former site of bastion 62 of the Thiers enceinte. The Thiers enceinte was a defensive wall surrounding Paris. It was built in the 19th century. Bastion 62 was one of its many fortifications. Imagine the soldiers stationed there. They guarded the city. Now their history is interwoven with the peaceful atmosphere of the Square d’Urfe.
The Square d’Urfe wasn’t always a tranquil square. It was created in 1932. It received its name in honor of Honoré d’Urfé. He was a famous French novelist and poet who lived from 1568 to 1625. His works were celebrated for their romantic tales and elegant language. The square is a testament to his enduring literary legacy.
The square is a small space. It’s only 68 meters long and 16 3 meters wide. Yet it’s significant. It connects the boulevard Suchet and the avenue du Maréchal Lyautey. These are important roads. They are part of the network of Parisian streets. The two buildings bordering the square were completed in 1934. They provide a backdrop to the green space. One resident was the writer and filmmaker André Cayatte. He lived at number 1 with his wife Christiane Ségard.
The Square d’Urfe’s history isn’t written in grand monuments or bustling streets. Instead it is a quiet story. A story of transformation. A story of a bastion that once stood guard now hosting a tranquil haven. It is a tribute to a writer whose words still resonate. It’s a hidden gem. It’s a place where the past peacefully coexists with the present.
A visit to the Square d’Urfe is more than just a stroll through a park. It is a journey through time. It’s a journey through the quiet corners of Parisian history. Here you can pause. You can reflect on the lives that once unfolded here. Enjoy the serenity. It’s a serene tribute to a rich history. Remember the bastion. Remember Honoré d’Urfé. Remember the Square d’Urfe.