BODIES FINDING SPACE

Paris, October 2025

Recent weather in Paris has felt autumnal; mild with light rain; the temperature not yet cold. During this time there has been a spate of evictions of informal squats & camps in advance of the “truce hivernal” (winter truce), when it becomes illegal in France to evict tenants from November 1 - March 31.

For people seeking asylum and refugees, navigating public space in Paris before Winter is stressful & exhausting. We have seen year on year that there are fewer spaces available “to be” in the city. In the area around the CÈDRE centre the little street markets have been full & hustling, not easy places to exist, but where else is there to go?

The atmosphere inside the CÈDRE itself felt subdued this month. Last week fatigue was evident, with several men sleeping on sofas in the space around The Community Table. Conversations at the table itself were calm but full of depth. Men and teenage boys talked about their families - brothers, sisters, mothers - left behind but dependent on them. The struggle to survive, let alone provide for others, was acutely present.

The subject of the body was present too. Several people showed us their injuries - cut hands & feet - and discussed the different ways they try to take care of themselves in difficult circumstances. Bullet wounds from wars, the effects of long journeys & walking for many days; lack of sleep... how much life on the edge impacts a person’s body & health.

Several people at the table attempted to build houses and structures, but nothing seemed to stand up. Even with support from interested onlookers, structures fell down. The roofs in particular just wouldn’t stay on, causing the rest of the structure to collapse beneath. Alongside, one man gratefully took some cardamom from the table to put in his tea, presenting in exchange 2 beautiful line drawings. Another, a tattooist by profession, carefully drew a blue rose, while next to him a man who loves gardening & languages tried his hand at embroidery. In this place, people find ways to cope despite the many challenges, building & rebuilding their lives, finding space.

Words by Kate France & Naomi Press.

@caritasfrance