Paris, the city of love, lights, and outdoor urinals?! Yes, you read that right.
If you have ever visited Paris or even seen pictures of the city, you may have noticed something unique – outdoor urinals on the streets! But why exactly does Paris have these unusual public facilities? Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
History of Outdoor Urinals in Paris
The idea of public urinals in Paris dates back to the 19th century. Back then, the city was infamous for its lack of adequate public sanitation facilities. Men would often relieve themselves on streets and buildings, creating an unpleasant environment for everyone.
In 1834, Paris introduced its first public urinal called “vespasiennes” after the emperor Vespasian who had imposed a tax on urine in ancient Rome (yes, you read that right too!). These vespasiennes were enclosed structures made of brick or stone with tiled floors and were used only by men.
However, over time, these structures became unhygienic due to lack of maintenance and were often used as dens for prostitution and other criminal activities. Consequently, they were removed from most parts of the city by the late 20th century.
The Modern Outdoor Urinals
Fast forward to today – there are more than 400 modern outdoor urinals scattered throughout Paris. However, these are not your typical enclosed structures but rather open-air setups that resemble large flower pots with a metal grate covering them. They are designed solely for men and are usually located in busy tourist areas such as near Notre-Dame Cathedral or along the Seine river walkway.
Why Does Paris Have Them?
The main reason for introducing these outdoor urinals is to combat public urination on streets and buildings – a problem that has plagued Paris for years. By providing dedicated facilities for men to relieve themselves, the city hopes to reduce the unpleasant odor and unsanitary conditions caused by public urination.
Moreover, these modern outdoor urinals are eco-friendly as they use a straw-like material instead of water to absorb urine. This material is then collected and used as compost in parks and gardens, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
The Controversy Surrounding Outdoor Urinals
Despite their intended purpose, these outdoor urinals have been met with mixed reactions from both locals and tourists. Some see them as a practical solution to a long-standing problem, while others consider them unattractive and inappropriate for public spaces.
Critics argue that the open-air design of the urinals is not only unsightly but also violates privacy and decency laws. They also claim that these facilities are discriminatory towards women who do not have access to such public amenities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris’s outdoor urinals are a unique solution to a longstanding problem of public urination on streets and buildings. While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they certainly serve their intended purpose.
As for whether they violate privacy or decency laws, it remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, Parisians seem to have embraced these outdoor urinals as an integral part of their city’s landscape.