Parvis Robert Badinter

Parvis Robert Badinter is a large open space adjacent to the modern courthouse building in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, functioning as the forecourt of the judicial complex. The square is organized across multiple levels that create a transition zone between the surrounding city streets and the 160-meter (525-foot) tall glass structure.

The esplanade was created in 2019 following the completion of the new Tribunal de Paris, marking the relocation of the judicial system from the historic Palais de Justice. This move represented a major modernization of French court operations and a shift of the main courthouse to the western part of the city.

The square serves as a meeting place where lawyers, citizens, and visitors interact with the French judicial system in their daily routines. People naturally gather here on their way to or from court proceedings, making it a space where the justice system becomes part of everyday city life.

The esplanade connects directly to Porte de Clichy station, providing access via metro line 13, RER line C, and tram line 3B for convenient arrival. The multiple levels of the square make it straightforward to navigate, with clear paths leading to different courthouse entrances depending on where you need to go.

The esplanade is named after Robert Badinter, a former high-ranking French judicial official whose legacy is honored through this public space. Few visitors realize that the naming reflects his instrumental role in reshaping France's approach to justice and court modernization.