Square René-Le Gall: a peaceful garden escape in the heart of Paris

History and Evolution of Square René-Le Gall in Paris

Nestled in the heart of the 13th arrondissement of Paris, the Square René-Le Gall, also known as the Garden of Gobelins, spans over 32,213 square meters of lush greenery. Constructed in 1938 by the visionary architect Jean-Charles Moreux, the square was developed on the grounds that once belonged to the outbuildings of the national furniture workshop and the Manufacture des Gobelins. Its strategic location is bordered by Emile-Deslandres to the south, Corvisart Street to the south, Croulebarbe to the east, and the Rodin school to the west, with the main entrance welcoming visitors at Place de la Bergère-d’Ivry. Additionally, four ancillary entrances from streets Berbier-du-Mets, Croulebarbe, and Emile Deslandres, facilitate access to this tranquil retreat. Named in honor of René Le Gall, a valorous councilor of the 13th arrondissement and a Resistance member executed by German forces on March 7, 1942, the square is a tribute to his legacy. Since April 8, 1997, this emblematic site has been recognized as a historical monument and proudly bears the QualiPARIS label, asserting its quality and historical significance. Open from 8 am to 9:30 pm, it is accessible via RATP bus lines 27, 47, 83, and Corvisart and Les Gobelins metro stations on lines 6 and 7, inviting visitors to explore its historical depths and verdant landscapes.

Architectural Highlights and Community Life at Square René-Le Gall

Before its transformation into the Square René-Le Gall, the site was a vibrant vegetable garden belonging to the upholsterers of the Manufacture des Gobelins, located on Monkey Island—a quaint islet carved by the Bièvre river branch, named for its association with entertainers and their monkeys. This locale, replete with pubs and taverns, served as a lively congregation spot for the factory’s workers. By 1933, with the disappearance of the Bièvre, Jean-Charles Moreux ingeniously commemorated the river’s ancient bed with an avenue of poplars, later substituted with hornbeams, weaving a tangible connection to the site’s natural history. Post-Liberation, the square was dedicated to René Le Gall, expanding its narrative and physical boundary with the addition of a landscaped garden and play area in 1981, further extending by five thousand square meters towards Émile-Deslandres. Subsequent enhancements in 1993 introduced an artificial stream, evoking the memory of the Bièvre, and expanded the square by an additional 1,500 square meters towards the street Ropes. The 2009 renovation further enriched the square with a sports field and relaxation area, culminating in the creation of a communal garden in 2011, managed by a charter signed with the Mayor of Paris. This garden, inaugurated on May 8, 2011, symbolizes the square’s evolving role as a community hub. Today, Square René-Le Gall is divided into distinct zones: a vast grassed area adorned with an obelisk and gazebos, a central forest harboring diverse species, and a vibrant play area equipped with sports fields, a sandbox, and swings, reflecting its multifaceted charm and its importance as a green oasis in urban Paris.

Taxi Services to Square René-Le Gall in Paris

Explore Square René-Le Gall, a serene urban oasis easily accessible from Paris’s major airports. Situated 13.2 kilometers from Orly and 32.5 kilometers from Charles de Gaulle Airport, this picturesque spot is perfect for visitors arriving from afar. Travelers can enjoy a swift and scenic drive, regardless of their point of entry, with Square René-Le Gall located 101 kilometers from Beauvais Airport, all accessible through a luxurious taxi service from Orly.

When traveling from Charles de Gaulle, consider the benefits of a comfortable taxi transfer, avoiding the complexities of public transport. These taxi services offer a perfect balance between cost and convenience, especially beneficial for those carrying heavy luggage or traveling after a long flight. Enhance your Parisian visit by ensuring a stress-free arrival with reliable and comfortable transportation directly to the heart of the city.