Parisian anger at ‘bad taste’ open urinals

The stench of urine in the streets has long been one of the annoyances of life in Paris, but new urinals on pavements that expose users to public view have shocked many residents.

One model, in letterbox red, topped by a flower-box and installed on the ultra-chic ˆIle Saint-Louis has caused particular indignation.

The island in the Seine, normally a haven of relative calm in the heart of Paris, has become an unlikely hotbed of protest. Residents and shopkeepers have written to the mayor demanding the urinal’s immediate removal and say they are about to launch a petition.

Paola, a local shopkeeper, acknowledged that residents had long been urging the authorities to install urinals because young people who spend the long summer evenings on the banks of the Seine had taken to urinating in the streets. “But this model, 20m from a primary school, is not suitable at all.”

Wouter, 43, a visitor from Amsterdam, said he had used it, but felt uncomfortable. “Public toilets are usually more hidden. At first I thought it was a modern art installation because of the flower box on top.”

The urinal is “environmentally friendly”, according to its manufacturer, the Faltazi design agency, because it “stores urine in a bed of dry material, straw, which is then used as compost for the flowers”. The straw reduces odour and eliminates the need for the urinal to be connected to the sewer.

Four minimalist urinals installed in Paris in the past six months have drawn similar reactions from the public. A fifth is planned next week.