“Psst. Did you know?” This private street in Paris is not what you might expect. Welcome to the Chemin des Fleurs. This isn’t just any street. It’s a journey into a hidden world. A world of calm, beauty and a unique history.
The Chemin des Fleurs is in the 17th arrondissement. This charming area offers a retreat from the city’s hustle. The Chemin des Fleurs links Avenue de Clichy to Rue de la Jonquière. Once you pass through its gates, the city noise fades.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Paris in the mid-19th century. Ernest Goüin established a locomotive factory here in 1846. His factory quickly grew. It employed 2,000 people. Goüin needed housing for his workers. So, he created the Chemin des Fleurs in 1847.
Architects Jean-Edmé Lhenry and Adolphe Bacqueville de la Vasserie designed it. They ensured harmony among the buildings. Strict rules governed construction. These rules still apply today. They dictate facade alignment and building height. Gardens had to have trees. Even the cast-iron Medici vases atop the stone pillars had to match.
Initially, progress was slow. Only three plots sold by 1850. But the area’s growth spurred sales. By 1866, all lots were sold. Engineers from the nearby Goüin factories moved in.
The Chemin des Fleurs became a mix of social classes. Workers, engineers and artists lived side by side. Alfred Sisley, the impressionist painter, lived here. He captured the area in his 1869 painting Montmartre from the Chemin des Fleurs.
The Chemin des Fleurs also played a role in World War II. Number 25 sheltered the Plutus resistance network. Colette Heilbronner, the cell leader, was killed by the Gestapo on May 18, 1944.
Celebrities have also called the Chemin des Fleurs home. Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac were born in a clinic here. Lucien Fontanarosa, an artist, set up his studio at number 32 in 1964.
Today, the Chemin des Fleurs remains an oasis. It is a haven of peace and beauty. The Chemin des Fleurs offers a glimpse into a unique Parisian past.
As you stroll along the Chemin des Fleurs, notice the architecture. It reflects the history of the place. Imagine the lives of those who once lived here. The workers, the engineers, the artists and the resistance fighters. Feel the calm that permeates the air. The Chemin des Fleurs is more than just a street. It is a living testament to Paris’s rich and diverse history. Take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. Remember its stories. Carry its tranquility with you as you continue your journey.