Paris, in the 19th century, was a city struggling with the rapidly growing demands of urbanization. The industrial revolution had transformed it into a bustling metropolis, but with this expansion came serious public health and sanitation problems. The streets were often overflowing with refuse, and the air was thick with unpleasant odors, including the scent of human waste. The solution to this problem, at least for men, came in the form of the pissoir—a public urinal designed to offer some relief and restore dignity to those caught in the open. The pissoir was a major innovation, not just in terms of public convenience, but also as a reflection of the changing attitudes towards urban planning and sanitation during this period.

Origins of the Pissoir: The Rambuteau Initiative

The idea of the pissoir was first proposed by Claude-Philibert Barthelot, Comte de Rambuteau, a French civil servant and urban planner who served as the prefect of the Seine. Rambuteau, who was instrumental in modernizing Paris during the 1830s and 1840s, recognized the urgent need to clean up the city’s streets. Public urination was rampant, and as one of the first steps in his campaign to overhaul the city’s sanitation, he ordered the construction of these unique structures.

Rambuteau’s design was simple yet effective: a cylindrical masonry column with an open street side and ornate decorative elements on the opposite side. These urinals were not just functional but also designed to blend into the aesthetic of Paris’ boulevards. Although Rambuteau suggested the term “vespasienne” to avoid his name being associated with public urination, the term pissoir became commonly used, reflecting their growing popularity. These early pissoirs allowed men to relieve themselves in relative dignity, especially in a city known for its chaotic street conditions.

Video

Watch this video for a stunning 60 fps journey through Paris in the late 1890s!

Design and Functionality: Ornate Yet Practical Structures

The first pissoirs were designed with both practicality and ornamentation in mind. The column-shaped structures were open on the street side, allowing for easy access, but their decorative features made them a unique sight on the streets of Paris. The “vespasiennes” were designed to look almost like phallic symbols, adding an element of humor and visual interest to the streetscape. Despite their somewhat crude function, these public urinals became a part of the Parisian fabric, offering an important solution to public hygiene.

By providing a public place for men to relieve themselves, the pissoirs helped prevent the streets from becoming an unsanitary mess. The columns were strategically placed around busy areas, including markets and parks, ensuring that people had access to a functional and private space in the middle of the crowded city. The system worked well, and these public urinals quickly became a familiar feature in the urban landscape.

Pissoirs as Urban Cleanliness Solutions

The introduction of the pissoirs was a major breakthrough in the fight against the filth that plagued Paris streets. These structures helped clear the unsightly and odorous mess of public urination. While some pissoirs were not fully enclosed and offered minimal privacy, they were a vast improvement over previous practices of men urinating on the street corners. In a city that had been struggling with sanitation, the pissoirs played an essential role in cleaning up the public spaces, allowing for the streets to remain more hygienic and less pungent.

As their popularity grew, the structures became a symbol of the city’s commitment to urban renewal. Not only did they offer convenience, but their presence indicated a shift towards more organized and well-planned infrastructure that was capable of managing the demands of a growing city.

The Role of Baron Haussmann in Pissoir Evolution

Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, another influential figure in Paris’ modernization, further expanded the presence of pissoirs throughout the city. During his overhaul of Paris’ streets in the mid-19th century, Haussmann’s team introduced cast iron models, making the structures more durable and efficient. These later versions were not only designed to be sturdier but also incorporated more refined aesthetics. The use of cast iron allowed for larger, more enclosed designs that offered more privacy to users.

Haussmann’s efforts to modernize Paris also extended to other parts of the city, including the construction of broad boulevards, parks, and public works. The pissoirs were part of this broader urban planning initiative, which aimed to bring Paris into the modern age and improve both its functionality and its visual appeal.

Gender Divide: Women’s Exclusion from Public Facilities

While the pissoirs were an important step forward for public sanitation, they also highlighted the gender divide that existed in the city. Women, despite their increasing presence in the workforce and urban life, were not included in the plans for public restrooms. The idea of creating similar facilities for women was briefly entertained, but ultimately, it was decided that they would take up too much space on the streets.

This exclusion is indicative of the social norms and gender roles of the time, where women’s needs were often overlooked in favor of more practical or profitable concerns. Women were expected to rely on private establishments or to manage their needs in other ways, contributing to the lack of public conveniences for them.

Decline and Transformation: The End of the Pissoir Era

By the mid-20th century, the golden age of the pissoir had passed. As the city evolved and the needs of its inhabitants changed, these public urinals began to decline in number. By 1930, there were over 1,200 pissoirs spread across Paris. However, by 1966, that number had decreased dramatically to just 329.

The replacement of the pissoirs began in the 1980s, with the introduction of modern, self-cleaning, enclosed units known as “Sanisettes.” These new facilities provided a more hygienic and private option for public restrooms, and by 2006, only one of the original pissoirs remained in the city. The Sanisettes became the standard for public restroom facilities in Paris, and the once-ubiquitous pissoirs gradually faded from the city’s streets.

Pissoirs as Historical Landmarks: Legacy and Preservation

While the pissoirs are no longer a significant part of Paris’ public infrastructure, they have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Today, a few of the original pissoirs are preserved as historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into a time when sanitation and urban planning were deeply intertwined. These remnants of the past serve as reminders of how the city once dealt with its rapidly growing population and its challenges with public hygiene.

Gallery: Photographs of Parisian Pissoirs

In this section, we take a look at the beautiful and historical photographs of Paris’ pissoirs. These images, captured in the 19th century, showcase the design, functionality, and social context of these unique structures.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into Paris’ Past

The story of the pissoirs is a fascinating one that reflects both the ingenuity and the shortcomings of urban planning during the 19th century. These public urinals helped transform Paris into a cleaner and more organized city, but they also reveal the gender biases and social inequalities that shaped public infrastructure at the time. As we look back on the legacy of the pissoirs, we are reminded of how far the city has come in terms of public hygiene and urban development, and how even the most utilitarian aspects of urban life can carry historical significance.

Video

Watch this video to explore the incredible transformation of Haussmannian Paris through a 3D historical reconstruction!