Square Fernand Piccot stands as one of Paris's lesser-known yet charming public spaces, offering a refreshing escape from the city's more tourist-heavy areas. I stumbled upon this peaceful square during my wanderings through the 12th arrondissement, and let me tell you - it's a delightful surprise! The square features well-maintained greenery and serves as a quiet gathering spot for locals, making it feel like you've discovered a hidden piece of authentic Parisian life.
Key Features
• Traditional Parisian benches perfect for people-watching or enjoying a morning coffee
• Mature trees providing welcome shade during summer months
• Carefully landscaped flower beds that change with the seasons
• Small children's play area (though it's pretty basic - just a few swings and a slide)
• Several chess tables where you'll often spot elderly locals engaged in intense matches
• Decorative iron fencing typical of classic Parisian squares
• Peaceful atmosphere away from major tourist routes
Best Time to Visit
From my experience, spring and early fall offer the most pleasant conditions for enjoying Square Fernand Piccot. The weather's just right, and the seasonal plantings are at their best. Early mornings (around 8-10 AM) are particularly magical - that's when you'll catch locals grabbing their morning coffee and croissants from nearby cafes. Summer afternoons can get pretty warm, but the shade from those gorgeous trees helps loads. And ya know what? Even winter has its charm here, especially when there's a light dusting of snow on the ground.
How to Get There
Getting to Square Fernand Piccot is pretty straightforward using Paris's excellent public transport system. The nearest Metro station is just a few minutes' walk away. You can take either line 8 or line 1, depending on where you're coming from in the city. If you're like me and prefer exploring on foot, the square is easily reachable from several major landmarks in the 12th arrondissement. Bus routes 86 and 87 also stop nearby - super convenient if you're coming from other parts of the city.
Tips for Visiting
Ok, here's the inside scoop from someone who's spent way too many lunch breaks here: bring a book or your favorite magazine - trust me, you'll want to linger. The morning sun hits different here, so it's worth getting up early to experience the square when it's most peaceful. Pack a small picnic (there's this amazing boulangerie just around the corner), but remember to clean up after yourself - the locals take pride in keeping this space tidy.
The benches can get a bit hard after a while, so maybe bring a small cushion if you're planning to stay long. And don't forget your camera - the light filtering through the trees creates some pretty incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Oh, and if you see a chess game in progress, feel free to watch, but keep your distance - these matches are serious business! The regulars are usually friendly, but they prefer not to be disturbed during their games.
During weekdays, you might catch some office workers on their lunch break - it's actually a great way to see how real Parisians live. And if you're traveling with kids, try to visit in the morning when the play area is less crowded.
Last but not least, keep an eye out for the occasional small art installations or temporary exhibits that sometimes pop up here - they're usually pretty interesting and give you a glimpse into the local arts scene. Just remember this isn't a major tourist spot, and that's exactly what makes it special!
