Public guards in front of the House of Unions during May Day in Paris 1925

Place Du Colonel Fabien

Place du Colonel-Fabien Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Place du Colonel-Fabien and Its Significance

At the crossroads of the 10th and 19th arrondissements, Place du Colonel-Fabien is a vibrant square that encapsulates the layered history and urban evolution of Paris. Once the grim locale of medieval executions and later infamous for animal fights as Place du Combat, the square has transformed into a symbol of political resistance, modernist architecture, and green urban renewal. Today, it invites visitors to experience Paris’s past and future, from the iconic headquarters of the French Communist Party designed by Oscar Niemeyer to the ambitious Urban Forest Project, making it a compelling destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and urban explorers alike (Un Jour de Plus à Paris; Paris Secret; Wikipedia).

Early Origins: Medieval Justice and Montfaucon Gibbet
The Barrière de Pantin and City Integration
Place du Combat: Animal Fights and Revolution
Renaming to Place du Colonel-Fabien
The French Communist Party Headquarters: Architecture and Legacy
Urban Forest Project: A Green Transformation
Visiting Hours and Accessibility
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Early Origins: Medieval Justice and Montfaucon Gibbet

Place du Colonel-Fabien’s roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, when the nearby Gibet de Montfaucon was Paris’s main site for executions. Established under King Louis IX, the gibbet was a stark symbol of royal justice, where criminals’ bodies were displayed as a deterrent to others. This dark legacy shaped the area’s early reputation (Un Jour de Plus à Paris).

The Barrière de Pantin and City Integration

By the late 18th century, the area marked the transition between Paris and its outskirts. The Barrière de Pantin, a gate in the Wall of the Fermiers Généraux, was constructed here to collect taxes on goods entering the city (Wikipedia). This position at the city’s edge made the square a place of movement and exchange.

Place du Combat: Animal Fights and Revolution

In the late 18th century, the square became known as Place du Combat. After animal fights were banned elsewhere, the area hosted these brutal spectacles until 1883. The name “Combat” lingered, reflecting an era when public entertainment often meant violence (Un Jour de Plus à Paris; Cityzeum).

The square also played crucial roles during the 1814 Battle of Paris—when it was fiercely defended against Russian and Prussian forces—and during the Paris Commune in 1871, marking it as a site of revolutionary resistance (Wikipedia).

Renaming to Place du Colonel-Fabien

After World War II, the square was renamed to honor Pierre Georges—Colonel Fabien—a communist militant and hero of the French Resistance who symbolized anti-Nazi defiance (Cityzeum). The new name also matched the initials of the Parti Communiste Français (PCF), whose headquarters would soon dominate the square (Wikipedia).

The French Communist Party Headquarters: Architecture and Legacy

From 1965 to 1971, Oscar Niemeyer, the renowned Brazilian architect, designed the French Communist Party headquarters—an arresting modernist structure of curving concrete and glass (Cityzeum; Musée du Patrimoine). Notably, the building’s National Council dome symbolizes hope and future progress, echoing Niemeyer’s political ideals (Wikipedia).

The site also holds historical links to the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil War, reinforcing its legacy as a hub of leftist activism (Richard Baxell).

Visitor Information:

Hours: Generally open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tickets: Free entry; some events or tours may require booking.
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available.
Guided Tours: Available on select days; advance reservation recommended.

(Architecture Lab; WikiArquitectura)

Urban Forest Project: A Green Transformation

Beginning in 2025, Place du Colonel-Fabien is being transformed into an urban forest, adding 1,760 m² of greenery, 412 meters of cycling paths, and nearly 1,000 m² of pedestrian zones (Paris Secret; Paris.fr). The project aims to:

Enhance biodiversity and air quality
Provide shaded, relaxing spaces for the community
Encourage sustainable mobility with improved cycling and walking infrastructure
Materials for construction are delivered via the Canal Saint-Martin to minimize environmental impact.

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Square open: 24/7, year-round, free of charge
No tickets required for access to the urban forest or square
Wheelchair accessible: Smooth pavements, tactile paving, ramps, and accessible public transport stations

How to Get There

Metro: Colonel Fabien (Line 2) station is directly beneath the square
Bus: Served by lines 46 and 75
Cyclists: Vélib’ bike stations are nearby, with new bike lanes under development
Car: Limited parking; public transport is recommended

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Canal Saint-Martin: Trendy cafés and waterside walks
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Expansive park with city views
Belleville neighborhood: Multicultural eateries and street art
Marché Secrétan: Covered market for local produce

The square hosts community events, open-air concerts, markets, and art exhibitions, especially in warmer months.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best visiting times: Spring and summer for the full effect of the urban forest
Comfortable shoes: Ideal for walking or cycling
Check events: Visit the Paris website for updates
Photography: Early morning and late afternoon light are best
Local etiquette: Greet with “Bonjour,” respect green spaces, dispose of litter responsibly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there entrance fees or tickets required?
A: No, the square and urban forest are free to enter. Guided tours of Espace Niemeyer may require booking.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The square is open 24/7. Espace Niemeyer’s tours have specific times—check their official site.

Q: Is the area accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, tactile paving, and accessible public transport.

Q: Can I bring my bike?
A: Yes, cycling is encouraged, with dedicated lanes and racks.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets must be kept on a leash; local regulations apply.

Conclusion

Place du Colonel-Fabien exemplifies the evolution of Paris—from a site of medieval justice and revolutionary resistance to a center of 20th-century political activism and now a model for urban sustainability. The square’s modernist architecture, vibrant community life, and the innovative Urban Forest Project make it an essential stop for anyone interested in Paris’s layered heritage. For the latest updates, event schedules, and guided tours, consult official resources and consider using the Audiala app to enrich your experience.