Hôpital Hérold

Hôpital Hérold Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the vibrant 19th arrondissement of Paris, Hôpital Hérold stands as a testament to over a century of medical innovation, community engagement, and urban transformation. Established in the late 19th century, this former pediatric hospital has played a pivotal role in Paris’s healthcare development and continues to be remembered for its groundbreaking contributions to pediatric medicine, its architectural charm, and its enduring legacy within the local community. Although the hospital ceased medical operations in 1988, the site’s spirit lives on through preserved archives, the tranquil Jardin Hérold, and the neighborhood that still honors its historic role.

This comprehensive guide details Hôpital Hérold’s history, cultural significance, practical visitor information, and tips for exploring the site and its surroundings. Whether you are drawn to its pioneering medical past, its unique place in Parisian heritage, or the peaceful gardens occupying its grounds today, this resource will help you uncover the story of Hôpital Hérold. For ongoing updates and further research, consult official sources such as Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), FranceArchives, Paris.fr, and Atelier Philippe Madec.

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Hôpital Hérold Today
Archival Resources and Visual Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Tips
References

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years (1892–Early 20th Century)

Hôpital Hérold was inaugurated in 1892 during a period of significant public health reform in Paris. Named after Ferdinand Hérold, the composer and later Prefect of the Seine, the hospital was conceived to address the growing healthcare needs of northeastern Paris’s working-class neighborhoods (FranceArchives). Initially known as “hôpital de la place du Danube,” it was part of a broader initiative to improve pediatric care, replacing the aging Hôpital Trousseau with several newly built children’s hospitals. The early hospital buildings included temporary barracks for adult cholera patients, reflecting the urgent public health concerns of the era.

Medical Achievements and Expansion

By the early 20th century, temporary structures were replaced with permanent pavilions, expanding capacity to over 200 children by 1902. This growth paralleled a wider recognition of pediatrics as a specialized medical field. The hospital continued to modernize its facilities and services, responding to major historical events such as World War I—when it functioned in part as a military hospital for wounded soldiers—and World War II, when it maintained essential services under challenging conditions (FranceArchives).

Hôpital Hérold became renowned for several landmark medical breakthroughs:

First Documented Remission in Acute Leukemia (1947): Achieved by Marcel Bessis and Jean Bernard, marking a significant advance in childhood cancer treatment.
Pioneering Work in Pediatric Diabetes and Nutrition (1970s): Under Henri Lestradet, Unit 83 of INSERM at Hérold clarified the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes and advanced nutritional research.
Development of Oral Rehydration Therapy (1981): Jehan-François Desjeux contributed to the global adoption of this life-saving therapy for dehydration in children.

The hospital was also a center for medical education, training pediatricians and healthcare professionals in collaboration with INSERM (FranceArchives).

Postwar Transformation and Closure

After World War II, Hôpital Hérold continued to modernize, serving a diverse and multicultural population. The hospital was deeply intertwined with the local community, acting as a hub for healthcare, employment, and urban development. By the late 20th century, it specialized in child psychopathology and general pediatric medicine, but broader health system reforms led to its closure in 1988, with services transferred to the newly built Hôpital Robert-Debré. The original site was later redeveloped to include eco-friendly housing, a health residence, Paris’s first HQE-certified crèche, and the Jardin Hérold green space, preserving elements of the historic grounds (Atelier Philippe Madec).

Visiting Hôpital Hérold Today

What Remains and What You Can Visit

While the original hospital buildings no longer exist and the site has been largely redeveloped, visitors can enjoy the Jardin Hérold, a peaceful public garden that offers a tangible connection to the site’s heritage (Paris.fr). Mature trees and portions of the old stone walls have been preserved, providing a sense of continuity with the past. Though the grounds are now private property and include school facilities, the garden is open to the public and is an excellent spot for relaxation and photography.

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Jardin Hérold: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The garden is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families.
The former hospital address is near Place Rhin-et-Danube, 75019 Paris.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: The site is accessible via Paris Metro lines 5 (Ourcq station) and 7 (Crimée station), as well as several bus lines.
Amenities: The surrounding neighborhood offers cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Bicycle racks and Vélib’ stations are available (Vélib’ official site).
Nearby Sites: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, La Villette, and Canal de l’Ourcq are within walking distance and provide rich cultural and leisure experiences.

Archival Resources and Visual Media

For those interested in historical research, the hospital’s archives—preserved by Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris—include administrative documents, photographs, and scholarly resources documenting Hôpital Hérold’s evolution (FranceArchives; Iconos-Photo). High-quality images and virtual tours of the neighborhood are also available on official Paris city portals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Hôpital Hérold today?
A: The original hospital buildings have been demolished and the site is not open for public tours, but the Jardin Hérold is accessible daily.

Q: Are there guided tours or tickets required?
A: No official tours or entrance tickets are available. The garden is open to the public; access to private or school areas is restricted.

Q: Are there any memorials or plaques at the site?
A: There is no official memorial, but local history groups and blogs commemorate the hospital’s legacy.

Q: How do I get to Jardin Hérold?
A: Use Paris Metro lines 5 (Ourcq) or 7 (Crimée), or nearby bus routes.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, La Villette, and Canal de l’Ourcq are recommended for visitors interested in culture and leisure.

Conclusion and Visitor Tips

Hôpital Hérold is a unique chapter in Paris’s medical and urban history. Although its original function has ended, the site’s spirit endures through Jardin Hérold, archival collections, and the vibrant life of the 19th arrondissement. For those interested in exploring Parisian healthcare history or the cultural tapestry of northeastern Paris, Hôpital Hérold offers an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and community connection.