Place de la Contrescarpe (Contrescarpe Square), Paris
Contrescarpe Square in Paris is a petite yet animated spot located at the convergence of three streets (Mouffetard, Lac茅p猫de, and Cardinal-Lemoine) and four administrative districts (Saint-Victor, Jardin-des-Plantes, Val-de-Gr芒ce, and Sorbonne), making it a pivotal area in the neighborhood.
Characterized by a circular shape, the square spans approximately 40 meters in diameter, featuring a central roundabout embellished with lush greenery, a charming fountain, and stone benches under elegant lamp posts. Its name is derived from its proximity to the former Contrescarpe-Saint-Marcel Street, hinting at its historical connection to the 'contrescarpe,' the outer slope of the defensive ditch that once bordered the Wall of Philip II Augustus.
The square's origins trace back to 1852 when it was established through the demolition of a block of houses, which now corresponds to the area adjacent to the Caf茅 Les Arts, located on the eastern side of the square. Over the years, Contrescarpe Square has evolved into a lively hub, especially popular among students and tourists, and is renowned for its bustling cafes and quaint architectural charm that resonate with the historic ambiance of Mouffetard Street.
The square holds a particular significance in literary history, being a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway during his time in Paris. He vividly described his experiences here in his novel "The Sun Also Rises."
Today, Contrescarpe Square remains a dynamic meeting point for cyclists and scooter riders, with its atmosphere enriched by the historical and cultural layers that define this quintessential Parisian quarter.
Characterized by a circular shape, the square spans approximately 40 meters in diameter, featuring a central roundabout embellished with lush greenery, a charming fountain, and stone benches under elegant lamp posts. Its name is derived from its proximity to the former Contrescarpe-Saint-Marcel Street, hinting at its historical connection to the 'contrescarpe,' the outer slope of the defensive ditch that once bordered the Wall of Philip II Augustus.
The square's origins trace back to 1852 when it was established through the demolition of a block of houses, which now corresponds to the area adjacent to the Caf茅 Les Arts, located on the eastern side of the square. Over the years, Contrescarpe Square has evolved into a lively hub, especially popular among students and tourists, and is renowned for its bustling cafes and quaint architectural charm that resonate with the historic ambiance of Mouffetard Street.
The square holds a particular significance in literary history, being a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway during his time in Paris. He vividly described his experiences here in his novel "The Sun Also Rises."
Today, Contrescarpe Square remains a dynamic meeting point for cyclists and scooter riders, with its atmosphere enriched by the historical and cultural layers that define this quintessential Parisian quarter.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Place de la Contrescarpe (Contrescarpe Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place de la Contrescarpe (Contrescarpe Square)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
The Latin Quarter of Paris, nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, is a district steeped in academic history and artistic fervor, resonating with the echoes of scholarly discourse and bohemian lifestyle. This venerable area derives its name from the early use of Latin as the lingua franca in the universities, a tradition spearheaded by the Sorbonne University. This institution has shaped... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Pr茅s, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour
Once a bourgeois area and still a major center of the Paris Jewish community, the Le Marais district is one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. Boasting a wealth of narrow medieval streets, unique boutiques, and quirky establishments, it represents an eclectic blend of historical sites and the bustling energy of today.
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II
As you continue your acquaintance with Paris driven by its timeless allure, the city's heart reveals itself with an array of places capturing its profound history and artistic legacy. The evolution of Paris is visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the capital as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital 鈥� one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elys茅es, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th administrative district of Paris, a beacon of affluence and prestige, hosts an elite residential community and numerous national institutions of France, government offices, and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood is famed for its quintessentially Parisian architecture, vibrant caf茅s, restaurants, and gourmet shops that attract food enthusiasts from around the world.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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