Squares

Place Viarme

Nantes

Place Viarme is a square whose name comes from Jean-Baptiste de Pontcarré de Viarmes, intendant of Brittany, sometimes spelled Viarme, who was in charge of the development of the area in the mid-18th century. Buildings delimiting the future esplanade were constructed from 1750. The site was previously called Place des Agriculteurs or Place de l'agriculture. Its history includes the installation of the guillotine there from 1830 to 1875. The livestock markets later disappeared and were replaced by a parking lot across most of the area. This parking area is partially occupied by flea market vendors every Saturday, and the square hosts a flea fair twice a year in May and early autumn. Since 2000, it has also hosted the Viarme-Talensac tramway station served by line 3.

Map showing the location of Place Viarme in Nantes
Location of Place Viarme in Nantes

Nearby Objects

Name Origin

Place Viarme takes its name from Jean-Baptiste de Pontcarre de Viarmes, the intendant of Brittany. His name is also sometimes spelled Viarme. He was responsible for the development of the site in the mid-18th century, which explains the connection between the place name and his role in its history.

History and Uses of Place Viarme

Place Viarme, formerly called Place des Agriculteurs or Place de l agriculture, developed from buildings that began delimiting the future esplanade in 1750. Its history includes a period when the guillotine was erected there between 1830 and 1875. The livestock markets that once occupied the site later disappeared, and most of the area was replaced by a parking lot. This parking area is still partly used by flea market vendors every Saturday. In addition, the place hosts a flea fair twice a year, in May and in early autumn. Since 2000, it has also hosted the Viarme-Talensac tramway station served by line 3, adding a transport function to the site.