Paris, the City of Lights, is known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and romantic vibes. However, there’s one aspect of the city that often gets overlooked – its public urinals, also known as Pissoirs.
These unique structures have been a part of Parisian culture for over a century but do they still exist in the city today? Let’s find out.
What are Pissoirs?
Pissoirs are public urinals that were first introduced in Paris in the late 19th century. They were primarily designed to address the issue of public urination on the streets of Paris.
These structures were made up of metal or stone and were placed in various locations throughout the city. Pissoirs were widely used by men who needed to relieve themselves while on the go.
The History Of Pissoirs In Paris
Paris has a long history with pissoirs that dates back to 1834 when the first public urinal was installed in Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that pissoirs became more widespread throughout the city. In those days, it was common to see men urinating on walls or in alleyways, which led to unsanitary conditions and unpleasant odors throughout Paris.
The introduction of pissoirs brought about a significant change and helped clean up Paris’s streets. By 1910 there were over one thousand pissoirs scattered around Paris.
However, as time passed, attitudes towards public urination changed and so did people’s use of pissoirs. With more accessible toilets becoming available across the city and increasing concerns over hygiene issues associated with public urination, these structures began to lose their popularity.
- The Decline Of Pissoirs
Over time, many pissoirs fell into disrepair, and some were even removed entirely. By the 1980s, there were only a few dozen pissoirs left in Paris. With the rise of concerns over hygiene and the need for more accessible toilets, the remaining pissoirs faced increasing criticism.
Do Pissoirs Still Exist in Paris?
Today, there are very few pissoirs remaining in Paris. The majority of them have been removed or repurposed for different uses. However, there are still a few examples of these structures that can be seen in different parts of the city.
One such example is located at Boulevard Arago near Rue de la Glacière. This pissoir was built in 1937 and is still functional today. Another example is located at Rue de la Roquette and was built-in 1939.
While these examples may be few and far between, it’s clear that the legacy of pissoirs lives on in Paris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Paris may not have as many pissoirs as it once did, they still remain an important part of the city’s history. These structures played a significant role in cleaning up Paris’s streets and addressing public urination issues that were prevalent at the time.
While their use may have declined over time, it’s important to remember the impact they had on shaping Parisian culture. So next time you’re walking down the streets of Paris, keep an eye out for these unique structures and appreciate their historical significance.