Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad in Paris



Named after the Battle of Stalingrad, this square in Paris is located at an intersection between the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Canal Saint-Martin by the Bassin de la Villette, and was completely redesigned in 1988.

About Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad



This square in Paris translates to the Square of the Battle of Stalingrad and was formerly a part of the Boulevard de la Villette before it was created and officially inaugurated on 7th July 1945.

It was originally named just the Place de Stalingrad in memory of the bloody battle that ensued between the Germans and Russians in Word War II, which many feel was the turning point for Europe and the eventual defeat of Hitler.
La Rotonde de la Villette in Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad
Decades later, this square was redesigned by the architect Bernard Huet when the Boulevard de la Villette was diverted plus the Skytrain was added, and a pool with numerous fountains was also added, along with a smaller fountain that has a bronze statue in the middle, which was designed and produced by the sculptor Georges Jeanclos.

However, by decree on the 26th November 1993, the Place de Stalingrad was renamed the Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad, yet this area was being criticised for its lack of connection to the docks of La Villette and eventually a plan was put in place to completely refurbish the square.

And so, during major renovation works around the Bassin de la Villette in 2006, the pedestrian square was repaved, new lighting was added and the La Rotonde that is located on the square, which is classified as an historical monument in Paris, was also renovated.

A passage between the two banks was created, and then La Rotonde de la Villette brasserie became one of the restaurants in Paris and entertainment venues that looks out over the square and to the Bassin de la Villette where the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Canal Saint-Martin intersect, which means this is a tranquil spot and a hive of activity within the city, that is now home to the new venue called Grand Masrche Satalingrad.

Access to Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad



This square is located in the 19th Arrondissement close to numerous tourist attractions in Paris such as the Parc de la Villette, which is home to the Cite de la Musique, many music venues, the impressive Cite de la Sciences museum along with the Geode and the decommissioned submarine called the Argonaute.

Yet as we have previously mentioned it is right by the Bassin de la Villette, which is where one of the Paris Plages beaches in Paris has been located since 2007 for the summer event with its water sports, not forgetting the numerous restaurants you can enjoy like La Rotonde or taking one of the canal trips.

And in fact, the improvements made along the canals in recent years, means that the longest continuous cycle path in the Ile de France region actually goes along the Canal de l’Ourcq and through the Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad.
Fountain bassin inside Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad
Water fountain at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad
But if you are not up to the idea of cycling or taking a cruise on the canal, then when it comes to public transport, you will find that the nearest Metro station is called the Stalingrad stop serving lines 2, 5 or 7 and the next nearest is the Jaures stop via lines 2 and 5.

Alternatively, the Bus Lines 26, 48 and 54 along with the Noctilien Night Bus Service via Lines N13, N41, N42 and N45 will also get you within walking distance of the Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad.