Tonnerre Patrimoine

Le Pâtis

In 1212, the Count of Tonnerre donated this vast area to the town, where the people of Tonnerre love to gather. Over the centuries, the site was developed as a promenade, and became even more popular following the opening of the railroad line. Travelers strolled along while waiting for their connections: to this end, the town installed a fountain with jets and then a bandstand, on which American soldiers, stationed in Tonnerre during WW1, played regularly.

History of pâtis

The word pâtis comes from paty, meaning meadow.
- In October 1212, Count Pierre de Courtenay granted the pâtis to the inhabitants of Tonnerre for the public good.
The pâtis was then a grassy area similar to a meadow.
Although the boundaries are not entirely precise, historians estimate that the pâtis lay between the Armançon and Bief des Moulins (rivers) and between rue Saint Nicolas and rue du Pont. Subsequent land sales reduced its surface area.
The pâtis was considered a place for strolling, and the commune decided to plant hundreds of walnut trees, the fruit of which was then sold to the population, providing the municipality with a source of income.
A few dates:
- 1788-89 a terrible winter decimated the walnut tree population.
- 1791 Mayor Percheron decided to plant 381 chestnut and lime trees, mainly along the main avenue.
- 1792-94 Elm and sycamore trees were added to the landscape.
- 1849 Construction of the railroad and installation of the station reduced and modified the famous municipal promenade. Its surface area was reduced by around three hectares.
- 1879 on August 26, the Council adopted a project for a public fountain.
- 1880 development of the artificial stream linked to the fountain.
- 1903 erection of the bandstand.
- 1914-18 after the First World War, the main avenue was named "l'allée des poilus".
- 1924 inauguration of the war memorial.
- 1969 inauguration of the monument to the Tonnerrois resistance fighters.