Place du Puits de l’Ermite

From a tanner’s legacy to a prison’s shadow, Place du Puits de l’Ermite whispers stories of Paris. This square, nestled in the 5th arrondissement, holds centuries of history. Place du Puits de l’Ermite translates to “Hermit’s Well Square.” It was named after Adam l’Hermite, a tanner who lived nearby. A public well also existed in the area, contributing to the name. Originally called Place Sainte-Pélagie, the square took its current name from the tanner and the well. The former name, Place Sainte-Pélagie, stemmed from a house on the square. This house, located at the corner of Rue de la Clef, sheltered women deemed “debauched.” It offered refuge and housed those whose behavior had supposedly “improved.” The house closed in 1790. The buildings were transformed into the Sainte-Pélagie prison, a notorious political prison. Many famous figures were imprisoned within its walls. The prison was eventually closed in 1895 and demolished in 1899. In the 1930s, social housing replaced the prison. Today, the square features a tranquil green space. This square was initially named after Place du Puits de l’Ermite itself. Later, it was renamed Square Robert-Montagne in honor of a French Islamologist. Place du Puits de l’Ermite stands as a quiet testament to the ever-changing face of Paris. It’s a reminder that beneath the modern cityscape lie layers of history, waiting to be unearthed.