The ancestor of furniture rental

Chair attendants

Chair attendants were women who “rented” chairs to visitors, particularly in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.
They were often elderly people or retirees. They collected a tax from people seated to pay for the right to use the chairs and armchairs placed in the garden.

The emergence of a profession

The profession of Chair attendants appeared during the 19th century in France thanks to the evolution of public gardens as places of socialization and leisure for city dwellers.
During the 19th century, French society was going through major transformations, including increasing urbanization due to industrialization and population growth.
City dwellers sought spaces for relaxation and recreation to escape frenetic and polluted city life.
It was in this context that public gardens gained importance as green oases in the heart of cities, where people could meet, walk and rest.
The Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the heart of Paris, has become one of these relaxation spaces popular with Parisians.

As attendance at these gardens increased, new opportunities arose to provide services to visitors and enhance their experience.
This is how Chair attendants began to rent chairs and armchairs to visitors, providing an additional comfort option for walkers and strollers.
The July Monarchy (1830-1848) and the Second Empire (1852-1870) also helped shape the Parisian urban landscape and culture.
The Second Empire, in particular, was marked by a policy of modernization and beautification of Paris led by Napoleon III and his prefect, Baron Haussmann.
This resulted in the creation of new public spaces, wide boulevards and parks, including gardens such as the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Chair attendants, by renting comfortable seats to visitors, not only responded to a practical demand, but they also helped shape the atmosphere and culture of Parisian public gardens.
They have become an integral part of daily life in these spaces, adding a unique dimension to the visitor experience.
The Chair attendants of the Jardin du Luxembourg emerged at a time when public gardens played a vital role as an escape from the changing urban realities of the 19th century.
Their role as providers of comfortable seating contributed to the transformation of gardens into places of meeting, relaxation and leisure, while reflecting the social and cultural changes of the time.

Adapted pricing

The price was fixed for a day and proportional to the comfort of the seat. The more comfortable the chair or armchair, the higher the price.
Different types of chairs and armchairs were offered to visitors. From the classic wooden chair to the reclining armchair with armrests.

1. Classic Wooden Chairs: Elegantly crafted wooden chairs were among the most common designs. These classic chairs offered a single seat with a straight or slightly inclined back. They were often folding, which made it easier to transport and store for visitors.
2. Wrought iron armchairs: Wrought iron armchairs were valued for their durability and elegance. Featuring artistic patterns and delicate curves, these armchairs added a touch of sophistication to the garden. Some wrought iron armchairs could be decorated with cushions for increased comfort.
3. Reclining chairs and armrests: These chairs were considered the most luxurious options. They allowed visitors to lie down comfortably while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the garden. The armrests added a feeling of relaxation and convenience.
4. Wicker and rattan chairs: Wicker and rattan chairs were popular for their lightness and casual style. They were often used to create informal relaxation areas, perfect for those looking to relax while enjoying the outdoors.
5. Simple folding chairs: In addition to more elaborate armchairs and chairs, Chaisières also offered simple folding chairs. These chairs were ideal for visitors who wanted a basic and functional option for sitting and resting.

The variety of these seats allowed visitors to have a choice based on their individual preferences, comfort and budget.
Whether reading a book, people watching, chatting with friends or simply enjoying the beauty of the garden, there was a chair or armchair suitable for every situation.
The Chair attendants were adept at guiding visitors to the seats that best suited their needs, helping to make their experience at the Luxembourg Gardens even more enjoyable and memorable.

The ticket, also called a ticket after the 1870s, was valid for the entire day and the entire area of ​​the garden.
Visitors even had to pay the tax if they came to the Jardin du Luxembourg with their own folding chair.
In 1843, the ticket price was 10 cents per chair. In the 1960s, it amounted to 20 cents per chair, 40 cents per chair, and 60 cents per so-called rest chair.

Chair attendants and the end of an era

When the last concessionaire died, the Senate bought back all the seats en bloc and made them free.
The activity of the Chair attendants then ended. It was 1974. They were allowed to rent chairs in the garden since the 19th century.
They have entered the history and heritage of the city of Paris for their contribution to the daily life and culture of the city.