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Last Updated: 7 February 2022

When you visit Paris you’ll hardly notice them. But they are found in the hundreds throughout the French capital. The iconic public benches of Paris are part of the street furniture designed by French architect Gabriel Davioud. They played their part in Haussmann’s vast public works program in the mid-19th century.

To illustrate this article I had to search really hard through my photo library. As I mentioned earlier, we take the benches of Paris so much for granted that they might not seem the most interesting thing to photograph. However, after reading this blog post, I’m pretty sure you will never look at them in the same way!

 

The first public benches of Paris

The first benches made from stone or wood, as well as seats for rent, are recorded from the 18th century.

Benches of Paris © French Moments
A stone bench at the Louvre © French Moments

But it’s only from the Second Empire (mid-19th C.) that Paris’ pavements were furnished with thousands of public benches.

When Baron Haussmann undertook the great urban work across the city of Paris, a series of structures were set up along the newly opened boulevards. All street furniture was harmonised in the same style and dark green colours. This was true for Morris columns, pissoirs, newspaper kiosks, lampposts, and by the 1870s the Wallace fountains.

Morris Column, Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques , 4th arrt of Paris © French Moments
Morris Column, Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques , 4th arrt of Paris © French Moments
last vespasienne in Paris
The last vespasienne in Paris, boulevard Arago © French Moments
Newspaper kiosks in Paris, in Boulevard des Italiens (9th arrt) © French Moments
A newspaper kiosk in Boulevard des Italiens (9th arrt) © French Moments
Wallace Fountain in Rue Piat (20th arrt) © French Moments
Wallace Fountain in Rue Piat (20th arrt) © French Moments

The benches of Paris were no exception to that rule. They were also codified and painted in dark green.

The public benches were designed by French architect Gabriel Davioud in the 1850s. He was the main collaborator of Baron Haussmann and his works included the magnificent entrance gate of Parc Monceau, the Saint-Michel fountain and the Châtelet theatre.

Romantic places in Paris: the first touches of Spring in Parc Monceau © French Moments

 

For the comfort of walking Parisians

Baron Haussmann introduced the public benches for the comfort of the walking Parisians.

At that time there were no cars and public transport was not as efficient as it is today.

Therefore people walked much more than today… and as you can guess, the benches were greatly appreciated for providing a comfortable place where people could catch their breath!

Benches of Paris © French Moments
The straight bench in Place Louis Aragon (Ile Saint-Louis) © French Moments

The first public benches appeared on the Grands Boulevards and in the public gardens (les squares parisiens) opened by Haussmann.

It is now obvious that many bench locations have since become obsolete. On many occasions, I spotted a bench and wanted to take a little rest. But it was often located too close to a car and the gutter, or next to a dirty and ugly litter bin… a puddle around it (hoping it’s not something else!), litter on the wooden boards. Why would I want to sit there? How times do change!

Over time, the models of public benches have been modernised and diversified. Some models have been created with the intention to stop homeless people from sleeping on them.

But let’s face it, this strategy hasn’t been well-received by many Parisians. Some find it cruel. As a matter of fact, the homeless are not the only people who might like to lay down on the  Paris benches…

Benches of Paris © French Moments
The benches of Paris are used for various activities! © French Moments

Madame, has anyone ever taught you the rules of propriety? Tsk-tsk…

 

The two models of Paris’ benches

It is estimated on Wikipedia that there are around 100,000 public benches designed by Davioud throughout Paris. (although I have to say I’m a bit doubtful about this high figure – other sources show 10,000).

Davioud had two models designed: the straight bench and the ‘gondole’ bench.

 

The straight bench (le banc droit)

Benches of Paris © French Moments
The straight bench or Haussmann bench © French Moments

The first model of the bench is made up of straight and perpendicular boards hold by a cast-iron structure that display the coat of arms of the City of Paris

The bench consists of one or two sides.

It is found on the pavement of avenues and boulevards, aligned with the street trees.

 

The gondole bench (le banc gondole)

Benches of Paris © French Moments
The Gondole bench in the Champs-Elysées gardens © French Moments

It consists of strips of wood painted in dark green and supported by cast-iron legs.

The deep-seated bench is mainly found in the public gardens of Paris.

 

Other models of public benches

Aside from Davioud’s benches, there are other models found in Paris. You’ll spot them in districts that are post-Haussmannian: Jardin des Plantes, Parc André Citroën and Parc Martin Luther King.

The classic “garden bench” as seen in square Roger Stéphane (7th arrondissement):

Benches of Paris © French Moments
A classic bench in Square Roger Stéphane (7th arrt) © French Moments

Contemporary benches in the newly created Parc Martin Luther King (17th arrt):

Benches of Paris © French Moments
Benches in the Martin-Luther King park (17th arrt) © French Moments

The Parc de Bercy features different styles of benches:

Benches of Paris © French Moments
Bench in Parc de Bercy © French Moments
Benches of Paris © French Moments
Benches in Parc de Bercy © French Moments

 

The Luxembourg chair from Fermob

The green-painted chairs found in the Luxembourg, Tuileries and Palais-Royal gardens have become another icon of Parisian style. The seats were designed by the Paris parks department workshops in 1923.

Benches of Paris © French Moments
Fermob’s armchair in the Luxembourg Garden © French Moments
Benches of Paris © French Moments
Fermob’s low armchair in the Tuileries Garden © French Moments
Benches of Paris © French Moments
Fermob chairs in the Tuileries Garden © French Moments
Luxembourg Palace from the garden © French Moments
A Fermob chair in Luxembourg Garden © French Moments

“The result was a chair and armchair with distinctive lines and forms, combining the lightness and resistance of aluminium, the comfort of curved seat slats and the practicality of a stackable frame.” (source: Fermob)

In the three parks of Paris (Luxembourg, Tuileries and Palais-Royal) are three different models of chairs: the chair, the armchair and the low armchair.

They allow you to people watch and take a breath in the middle of the City.

Benches of Paris © French Moments
The Fermob chairs in the Tuileries Garden © French Moments

Since then the famous seats have become design objects made by the French company Fermob. The seats come in different colours. They are found in cafés and restaurant terraces around the world, from New York to Amsterdam and Sydney!

Check out the different models of Fermob chairs sold.

Check out these two sites for more info about the history of Fermob’s Luxembourg Chair: 

 

Did you know?

  • un banc is French for a bench.
  • une chaise is French for a chair.
  • un siège is French for a seat.
  • le trottoir is French for the pavement (or sidewalk).

 

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Find out more about the iconic benches of Paris © French Moments


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Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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  1. Loved the article for it’s informative history of benches. I am discovering the significance of this invention and wondered many times when it was made and who was the genius behind it. Thank you.

  2. I have just published a book, ‘Chair Stories’ which is street photography concentrating on where we sit, rather than the people sitting. Shot across Europe, it is a sort of ‘lifestyle of chairs’. It started 20 years ago in Paris and has a big Paris section concentrating on the beautiful seating of the parks and cafes. It might interest you, and we might chat? To get a taste see my Instagram site or website: http://www.richarddunkley.co.uk
    I wish I had found your site 10 years ago!

  3. How many times have I taken the benches of Paris for granted? Thanks for this interesting information, Pierre; I’ll look at them differently from now on!

  4. Benches are very important and not just in Paris! I use them for periods of rest after walking a long time in cities. An interesting article. Thanks Pierre!

  5. Thank you for your article; it is excellent! A store owner in Paris Centre wants to repaint and repair two "straight" benches and wants to be sure it is legal. What department in the Mairie is responsible? It may be unusual for someone to volunteer to repair City property, so he wants to do the right thing!

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Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

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