Hôpital Saint Vincent De Paul.

Introduction

Hôpital Saint Vincent De Paul, located in the heart of Paris’s 14th arrondissement, is a landmark that encapsulates centuries of social, architectural, and urban transformation. Founded in the 17th century as a religious novitiate, the site evolved into a major hospital specializing in pediatric and maternity care. After its closure in 2012, the hospital became the stage for Les Grands Voisins, a celebrated experiment in temporary urbanism, and is now being redeveloped as the Saint Vincent de Paul Eco-Quarter—a model for sustainable and inclusive urban living. This guide provides everything you need to know about the site's history, current visitor access, ticketing, accessibility, and its ongoing cultural and ecological significance (paris-promeneurs.com; lesgrandsvoisins.org; paris.fr; Chatillon Architectes).

Formerly one of Paris’s major maternity and pediatric hospitals, Hôpital Saint Vincent De Paul has been at the crossroads of religious, medical, and social innovation since the 17th century. Its closure in 2012 opened the way for Les Grands Voisins, a temporary community project that became a symbol of inclusive urban renewal. The ongoing transformation into the Saint Vincent de Paul Eco-Quarter continues this legacy, blending heritage preservation with sustainable urban development.

Historical Timeline

Origins and Early Development (1650–1795)

The origins of the site trace back to 1650, when the Congregation of the Oratory established a novitiate on land donated by Nicolas Pinette. Architect Daniel Gittard oversaw construction of a chapel and associated buildings between 1655 and 1657, many of which are preserved today (paris-promeneurs.com; paris.fr). The novitiate operated as a religious institution for nearly 150 years, leaving a lasting architectural and cultural imprint (lesgrandsvoisins.org).

Transformation into a Charitable Hospital (1795–1800)

The French Revolution led to the expulsion of the Oratorians and the conversion of the property in 1800 into the Hospice des Enfants-Assistés, dedicated to caring for abandoned and orphaned children. The Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul continued the charitable ethos that defined the site’s new mission (fr.wikipedia.org; paris-promeneurs.com; solosophie.com).

Expansion and Medical Innovation (19th–20th Centuries)

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the hospital expanded with new buildings, such as the Adolphe Pinard maternity pavilion and the Lelong clinic (parisetmetropole-amenagement.fr). The hospital became a leader in pediatric and maternity care, contributing to advancements in obstetrics and serving as a training ground for medical professionals (cdn.paris.fr).

Renaming and Institutional Changes (1942–2012)

The hospital adopted the name Hôpital Saint Vincent De Paul in 1942. Integrated into the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) network, it continued to serve the city until its closure in 2012, after which its main services were transferred to other hospitals (fr.wikipedia.org; parisetmetropole-amenagement.fr).

Les Grands Voisins: Temporary Urbanism (2015–2020)

Post-closure, the site hosted Les Grands Voisins, a pioneering community project that welcomed over 600 vulnerable residents and 250 organizations—including artists, startups, and nonprofits. The project became a benchmark for social innovation, urban agriculture, and inclusive community life, attracting thousands of visitors and revitalizing the area (lesgrandsvoisins.org; solosophie.com; Plateau Urbain; Yakoa).

The Saint Vincent de Paul Eco-Quarter (2020–Present)

Now, the City of Paris is redeveloping the site into the Saint Vincent de Paul Eco-Quarter, a flagship for sustainable urban planning. The project preserves historic buildings while introducing extensive social housing, green spaces, and community amenities. The eco-quarter emphasizes environmental sustainability, circular economy principles, and social diversity (paris.fr; parisetmetropole-amenagement.fr; Guiding Architects; Circle Economy Knowledge Hub; Sergison Bates Architects).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Access

The Saint Vincent de Paul Eco-Quarter is open to the public year-round, with outdoor areas generally accessible daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Access to certain historic buildings and cultural venues depends on ongoing construction and event schedules. For current visiting hours and special events, consult the official Paris city website or relevant project pages.

Tickets & Guided Tours

General access to outdoor spaces is free. Some exhibitions, guided tours, or workshops may require advance booking and a ticket. Guided tours focusing on the site's history, architecture, and sustainable design are offered periodically (Chatillon Architectes).

Accessibility

The eco-quarter is designed for universal accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and adapted facilities throughout the public areas. Some historic structures may still have limited access for visitors with reduced mobility, so it is advisable to check access details in advance.

Getting There

• Metro: Denfert-Rochereau station (Lines 4 and 6) and RER B are the nearest stops.
• Bus: Lines 38, 68, and 88 serve the area.
• Bike: Vélib’ stations are close by.
• Address: 74, avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris

Nearby Attractions

• Catacombs of Paris: A famous underground ossuary nearby.
• Parc Montsouris: A large and scenic public park.
• Montparnasse Tower: For panoramic city views.
• Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain: A contemporary art museum.

Photography Spots

Notable photo opportunities include the monumental entrance on avenue Denfert-Rochereau, the preserved Oratory chapel, sunken courtyards, and the blend of historic and modern architecture.

Notable Events and Controversies

The site’s complex history includes moments of controversy, such as the 2005 discovery of fetal remains, which sparked debate about medical ethics (solosophie.com). These episodes reflect the multifaceted legacy of the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the site open year-round?
A: Outdoor spaces are open daily. Some buildings and cultural venues may have restricted hours or require advance booking.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Entry to outdoor areas is free. Tickets may be necessary for exhibitions, guided tours, or special events.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, most areas offer accessible paths and facilities. Contact visitor services for specific needs.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Use Denfert-Rochereau metro/RER station or nearby bus lines. Cycling and walking are encouraged.

Q: What can visitors see or do on-site?
A: Highlights include guided tours, cultural events, contemporary art exhibitions, green spaces, and community workshops.

Q: Where can I find event updates?
A: Visit the official Paris city website, Les Grands Voisins, or download the Audiala app for the latest information.