“Who was Maria Vérone?” I often wonder as I stand here. The Square Maria Vérone stands as a tribute to her. It is a green space in Paris’s 18th arrondissement.
This square wasn’t always named after the feminist Maria Vérone. It was once known as Square de la Moskova. The square now honors Maria Vérone who lived from 1874 to 1938. She was a French feminist and free thinker.
Maria Vérone was a remarkable woman. She served as the president of the Ligue Française pour le Droit des Femmes from 1919 to 1938. This translates to the French League for Women’s Rights.
Let us explore the design of Square Maria Vérone. The heavily vegetated fence acts like a green jewel box. It protects the square from the city’s noise. A double layer of ground cover plants and low shrubs mixes with trees. This provides a kind of transparency.
The garden is arranged around accessible lawns. Some areas are dedicated to walking. Each of the three entrances features a small square. These squares use recovered cobblestones.
Notice the lawns that are accented with flowery lines. They create an intimate atmosphere. The old Rue des Vignes now Rue Louis Bonnet is remembered here. This is thanks to a collection of original grape varieties and virgin vines.
The site’s single tree, a sycamore maple, was preserved. It shades a circular bench. A maze of hedges surrounds the playgrounds. This forms a wavy line of trees. It protects a series of wooden benches from its shade. These benches invite you to rest.
Maria Vérone was an educator in Paris. She was also a champion for women’s rights. She served as general secretary in 1904. In 1919, she became president. Vérone resumed her studies. She earned a law degree and began practicing law in 1907. She founded the Union des Avocates de France.
Take a moment to appreciate this green space. Square Maria Vérone offers a peaceful escape. Remember Maria Vérone’s legacy. She fought for women’s rights and equality. This square is a fitting tribute to her life and work.