Who loves public squares?
After visiting my grandmother-in-law in a nearby countryside village, we passed by the renovated La Place Napoléon in La Roche Sur Yon, La Vendée for a brief sight-seeing. It was around the time we lived in France for several months five years ago.
Place is a Public Square
Each city or town in France has a public square called La Place equipped with a church, the Town Hall or La Mairie, a bank, a Tabac, a bistro or cafe, sometimes cultural and government buildings, and is usually adjacent to commercial areas. In the Philippines, we have a similar layout called plaza that still exists today, which was heavily influenced by more than 3 centuries-long Spanish colonization.
Before: A Boring Empty Plaza
Église Saint-Louis and Napoleon Square (Old photo taken on December 2007)
I've been here countless times many years ago and it used to be a boring plaza. In the olden days, the center was an empty and uninspiring open space. I was able to dig up an old photo of how it used to look like.
After the Renovation:
Napoleon Square
La Place Napoléon is a huge public square that measures 140 meters x 200 meters. It serves as a landmark of La Roche Sur-Yon with the prominent statue of the famous Emperor at the center and surrounded by Neo-classical buildings.
La Roche Sur-Yon is the capital of the department of La Vendée in Western France. It is 40 minutes away from Nantes, 4 hours by train from Paris, and situated not far from the Atlantic Coast.
Renovation of the Esplanade
The new facelift was designed by the French Architect, Urban Planner, and Landscape Designer, Alexandre Chemetoff with the vision of creating an "open-air lounge."
The architect positioned four shallow ornamental koi and carp pools at the center around the statue of Napoleon with water, roughly around 20 cm to 1.40cm deep. 500,000 plants, flowers, and trees surround terraces with deck chairs. There are now lawns with well-kept grass to soften the once cold-looking concrete square which allows visitors to enjoy picnics overlooking the water.
The Animals of La Place Napoleon
History has it that Napoleon Bonaparte founded the city in 1804 as the administrative headquarters of the Vendée. It was also a location he selected to conserve mechanical bestiary brought by scientists that came from expeditions to Egypt for nature observations.
One of the many interactive metallic animal sculptures on the water.
These secret collections of animal machines disappeared during the construction of the city but were re-discovered during archaeological excavations later.
You'll find these metallic animal sculptures throughout the esplanade and they are all interactive.
A closer look at the interactive control panel. Families play with interactive controls
My Take-away
La Place Napoléon transformed into an ideal site to meet up with friends and chill out especially since it's situated right next to two schools and the Museum of La Roche Sur Yon. It offers a lively space to walk with some city-hiking trail markers that we spotted on some posts. There are benches ideal for people-watching or reading a book.
An idyllic spot to take a stroll with families and go shopping afterward since it is connected to the city's shopping district.
It also serves as a bus station, with several bus waiting sheds next to maple trees and lanes for buses to pick up passengers.
Surrounding Areas Near La Place Napoleon
La Roche Sur Yon Town Council
Museum of La Roche Sur Yon
Taken along the Boulevard Aristide Briand next to the Public Parking Area in La Roche Sur Yon
If my memory serves me right, the public square is located close to the public town market called Marché des Halles, just behind the church where we used to frequently go in preparation for Christmas and New Year meals. Did you notice that slight tinge of nostalgia?
Marché des Halles, La Roche Sur Yon
Everything is within walking distance. It's a great example of how urban design and proper planning could improve the lives of its 53,000 residents and tourists who decide to stop by.
Thank you for reading!
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References:
Inspired by my original post
France Voyage La Place Napoleon
La Roche Sur Yon Tourism
I love Europe because of architecture and honestly speaking I am learning about history and architecture from Europe. Public squares and plazas are the best places to explore not only the vastness of architecture but also you will be able to know the surrounding context as well. I often choose such types of locations when it comes to understanding the design and site context...
Such a gorgeous place...
Hi Priyan, yes the public squares offer a great glimpse and share so much about the community, the residents, and the history of a particular town or city.
I remember spending one late afternoon just sitting on a bench in a piazza in Florence, watching people and staring at the details of a cathedral. It was educational and entertaining at the same time. Having a colleague doing the same thing and then sharing our observations and enjoying a fun discourse about what we're looking at felt good that I smile when I remember it.
Little by little, Europe is giving way to modern architecture, which often complements the traditional one.
Excellent post, greetings.
Hello @patagonian-nomad, thank you so much for dropping by and for your lovely message. It never ceases to amaze me how they manage to harmonize the old and new together. It's refreshing to see. Happy holidays!
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What's the use of a public plaza if it doesn't serve its purpose, isn't it? Without the social, cultural, and commercial aspects of these urban areas where communities of people are supposed to commune, relax, shop, and unwind, these valuable spaces would eventually fade away and lose their splendor. Fortunately for La Place Napoléon, restoration works gave it a breath of life! Urban planners and related designers have the professional responsibility for ensuring that these important results are attained for the greater benefit of the neighborhood. Thank you for your excellent and well-written article! 😀
Yes, it is sad to see empty public spaces unused (covid 19 aside) speaking during the most social of times. Most especially when parks or open spaces are being converted to more buildings which are even more heartbreaking. It's beautiful to see transformations of spaces within our vicinities. Thank you for your insightful comment.
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