Square Saint-Lambert: the park’s past.
Square Saint-Lambert in Paris is more than just a district park. It’s a peaceful green space with an industrial past, once the site of the Vaugirard gasworks factory. The site was a sprawling six-hectare industrial complex that once produced coal gas for the lamplights of Paris since 1835, but it was notorious for its pollution and smoke-filled air. During the Siege of Paris in 1870, the gasworks were the launch site for the hot-air balloon Céleste, that used to carry mail and passengers out of the besieged city.
When the factory was decommissioned in the 1920s, the grounds were cleared and reimagined as a public park.
Square Saint-Lambert was created in 1933, designed by architect Georges Sébille. It is in the 15th arrondissement and bordered by rue Jean-Formigé, rue Théophraste-Renaudot, rue du Docteur-Jacquemaire-Clémenceau, and rue Léon-Lhermitte.
In the 1950s and 60s, the square gained a bit of notoriety as a local gathering spot for rebellious Parisian youths known as “les blousons noirs” — the “black jackets” – that inspired pop culture headlines.
The square was listed as a historical monument since 10 April 1997 and carries the “20th Century Heritage” label for its distinctive architecture and landscaping. Its trees include poplars, acacias, cedars, cherry trees, ashes, and Mediterranean species such as the hackberry and heartleaf alder, and the flowerbeds have been replanted in their original 1930s layout.
Square Saint-Lambert is a well-structured green space designed for relaxation, play, and family life. Key elements include a central fountain and ornamental basin with water jets and a small reflecting pool; a fan-shaped terrace and symmetrical lawns in the classic 1930s design with shaded paths, benches, and raised viewpoints; family and play spaces with a children’s playground, carousel, sandpit, and a table tennis area; an outdoor stage with a small open-air theatre used for puppet shows and community events; and sculptures.
The sculptures include “Les Oursons” (The Little Bears) by Victor Peter (1928), “Le Chien” (The Dog) by René Paris (1928), and “La Jeunesse” (Youth) by Auguste Guénot (1939).
Today, in October 2025, maintenance works are underway on the park’s central fountain. The fountain works involve cleaning the stone basins, checking the water circulation system, and restoring the pumps. The restoration is part of a broader rejuvenation project for the square. The watering system is being modernized to reduce water use. Sunken lawns have been raised by up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) to improve drainage. Urban furniture, such as benches, railings, and entrance gates, are being repainted and repaired.
Square Saint-Lambert is a Parisian park that blends history, greenery, and community life. Once an industrial scar, it has become a haven for residents of the 15th.
