Square Maurice-Schwob, Public park in Bellevue-Chantenay-Sainte-Anne district, Nantes, France.
Square Maurice-Schwob is a garden park covering roughly 0.7 hectares situated along a cliff edge, combining regular pathways, seating areas, and trees in a structured layout. A steel staircase connects this space to the adjacent Miséry quarry garden, linking different elevation levels of the neighborhood.
The City of Nantes acquired this site in 1853 from the Lusançay estate and converted former workers' gardens into a public square under architect Étienne Coutan's direction. This transformation created a new focal point for the expanding neighborhood.
The park displays a sculpture called 'L'Épave' by Paul Auban from 1926, depicting a Breton mother grieving for her drowned son. This artwork shapes the emotional character of the space and connects local history to the Loire River nearby.
The square is accessible from multiple sides of the neighborhood and offers clear sightlines across the surroundings from its elevated position. It works well to visit any time of year, with open pathways and seating providing good orientation even in wet weather.
From its elevated vantage point, the square overlooks industrial landscapes and the Loire River, a view that architect Coutan deliberately incorporated into his original design. This perspective subtly ties the space to Nantes' industrial past.
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