Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Swiss Village was born as a picturesque reconstruction of an ideal Alpine village, designed for the Swiss National Exhibition of 1896 in Geneva, then reproduced at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 in Paris. Designed by Charles Henneberg and Jules Allemand, he was located at the foot of the great wheel of Paris, in the Grenelle district. After the wheel was dismantled (1920-1922), the surroundings became an informal place of trade, occupied by ragers, and then by brochanters and antique dealers attracting an easy clientele.

In the 1960s, the site was modernized with contemporary buildings, keeping the name "Swiss Village" and the names of the original Swiss squares (Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, etc.). The indoor courtyards and hanging gardens now house 150 specialized shops (antiquarians, art galleries, decorators). The place, although less frequented than poles like Saint-Ouen or the Carré Rive Gauche, remains a high Parisian place in the art market, despite increased competition.

The Swiss Village also served as a cinematic setting, as in Pierre Richard's Le Distrait (1970), where Zurich Square is visible. Cultural animations, such as the Spring Arts, try to revitalize its attractiveness. Open from Thursday to Monday, it retains a discreet charm, between historical heritage and luxury trade, close to Champ-de-Mars and the Military School.

Among the notable figures, actress and antique artist Mary Marquet held a shop there for years. The site, served by the stations La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle (metros 6, 8, 10) and Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER C), combines the heritage of universal exhibitions and commercial dynamism, while struggling to regain its influence over the city.

Future

The Swiss Village is an attractive place for lovers of ancient and contemporary art in a space decorated with hanging gardens and wooded patios.

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