Do They Still Have Pissoirs in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris, the City of Lights, is known for its rich history and culture. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, Paris has a lot to offer. However, there’s one question that many visitors to this beautiful city have on their minds: do they still have pissoirs in Paris?

For those unfamiliar with the term, a pissoir is a public urinal that was once a common sight on the streets of Paris. They were first introduced in the late 19th century as a way to combat public urination and improve sanitation in the city.

At their peak, there were over 1,200 pissoirs in Paris. However, in recent years, their numbers have dwindled significantly. The decline can be attributed to several factors such as changing attitudes towards public urination and an increase in public toilets.

Today, you may still come across some pissoirs in Paris but they are few and far between. Most of them are located in tourist areas such as near Notre Dame or along the Seine River.

If you’re wondering why there’s so much fuss about these urinals, it’s because they are an important part of Parisian history and culture. They have been featured in many works of art including paintings by famous artists like Toulouse-Lautrec.

The design of pissoirs is also interesting from an architectural standpoint. Many of them were designed by famous architects such as Hector Guimard who also designed the iconic Art Nouveau metro entrances.

While pissoirs may no longer be as prevalent as they once were, they continue to hold a special place in Parisian culture and history. So if you happen to come across one during your trip to Paris, take a moment to appreciate its unique design and significance.

In conclusion, while pissoirs may not be as common on the streets of Paris today as they once were, they remain an important part of the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the quirks of Parisian life, keep an eye out for these unique urinals during your next visit to the City of Lights.