Ever walked a path that was once a railway? Here on Avenue du Chemin Vert, we uncover a unique slice of Parisian history. This isn’t just any street. It’s a journey back in time to when steam trains chugged through this very area.
Originally, Rue de Chemin Vert followed an old footpath. It cut through the middle of market gardens. Imagine farmers carting their fresh produce along this route centuries ago. In 1868, the road expanded significantly. It stretched from Rue des Amandiers-Popincourt to the Barrier des Amandiers. This barrier was a gate on the old Wall of the Farmers-General.
But why “Chemin Vert” or “Green Path”? It’s simple. The path was surrounded by lush greenery. Market gardens flourished here. This name evokes images of a verdant oasis.
Today, the Avenue du Chemin Vert is more than just a street. It is home to the Chemin Vert station. This station is a stop on Line 8 of the Paris Métro. The station opened on May 5, 1931. This happened when the line extended from Richelieu-Drouot to Porte de Charenton.
The Chemin Vert station sits beneath Boulevard Beaumarchais. It is nestled between Rue Saint-Gilles and Rue du Chemin-Vert. Think of it as a convenient gateway. It is located right in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement.
In 2001, the RATP began renovating the station. The platforms were upgraded first. By December 18, 2006, the corridors were complete. This renovation aimed to revive the interwar style of the former CMP. The lighting was updated. The advertising frames with plant motifs were recreated. These frames were brown earthenware instead of the original honey color.
To celebrate spring in 2018, the RATP temporarily replaced half the station’s nameplates. These new plaques showed a green landscape. A wooden sign with “Chemin Vert” pointed the way. This gesture highlighted the street’s origin.
Despite its understated presence, Chemin Vert station sees a fair amount of traffic. In 2020, 685,294 passengers used this station. It serves as a crucial link for commuters and tourists alike.
The station has two main access points. Access 1 is at Boulevard Beaumarchais and Rue Saint-Gilles. Access 2 is at Boulevard Beaumarchais and Rue du Chemin-Vert.
Inside, Chemin Vert station has a standard layout. Two platforms flank the metro tracks. The vault above is elliptical. White ceramic tiles cover the walls. Brown earthenware frames display advertisements. These small details reflect a blend of history and modernity.
Interestingly, the ceramic decoration isn’t original. It was completely redone during the 2006 renovation. So, what you see now is a recreation of the “CMP” style.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the station, several bus lines connect here. Lines 29, 69, and 91 of the RATP Bus Network stop nearby. Night owls can use Noctilien lines N01 and N02.
Nearby attractions include Canal Saint-Martin, Place des Vosges, Musée Picasso and Jardin Arnaud-Beltrame.
So, as you traverse Avenue du Chemin Vert, remember its layered past. From market gardens to metro station, it encapsulates the evolving spirit of Paris. It is a green path through time.