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, Lacépède, and Cardinal-Lemoine) and four administrative districts (Saint-Victor, Jardin-des-Plantes, Val-de-Grâce, 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 Café 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 Café 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 "GPSmyCity: 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.
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
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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.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name “Paris” comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
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Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 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.
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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
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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
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 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-Élysées – 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-Élysées – a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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