In Paris, a network of 'third places'—communal spaces where people can gather without pressure to spend money—is being hailed as a bulwark against the rise of the far right. These spaces, ranging from pop-ups in former telecom offices to repurposed hospital complexes, offer a blend of culture, food, and social interaction that counters the isolation and disaffection extremists exploit.
One example is Print, a temporary five-storey venue in Ménilmontant featuring photography exhibits, a coffee shop, sourdough pizza, bars, and a dance area. Crucially, it provides ample space where visitors can simply exist without spending a euro. This accessibility is key to the concept of a 'tiers-lieu', or third place, which includes libraries, youth centres, and public pools, as well as some bars and cafes that serve as public living rooms.
The decline of such spaces has been linked to far-right gains. In the UK, 37% of pubs have closed since 1992, while France lost 18,000 bars-tabac between 2002 and 2022, contributing to increased support for the National Rally (RN) in affected rural areas. However, in the recent municipal elections, the RN performed less well than feared in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, all retained by the left.
Paris's success in fostering third places is deliberate political infrastructure, according to observers. A decade ago, Les Grands Voisins occupied a former hospital complex, housing artist studios, startups, emergency shelters, and a cafe with long communal tables. Such spaces encourage lingering and facilitate encounters among neighbours, offering a stark contrast to the atomisation of modern life.
As cities worldwide grapple with the loss of communal hubs, Paris's model demonstrates how intentional investment in third places can strengthen social cohesion and counter the disconnection that fuels far-right politics.
