“Chemin de la Planchette” might sound like a path paved with delicate wooden planks. But this path bears a story etched in the city’s memory. The Ruelle de la Planchette is a hidden alleyway in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. It is nestled in the Bercy district.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Paris in the 18th century. The Chemin de la Planchette was once a country lane. It led to cultivated fields. Verniquet’s map of 1789 marks this old path.
The origin of the name “Planchette” is quite interesting. It refers to a makeshift crossing over a sewer. This sewer once served the Abbey of Saint-Antoine. A simple plank or “planchette” bridged the gap. It provided passage to the Charenton road.
The Ruelle de la Planchette stretches for about 60 meters. It is a narrow passage measuring just 3.3 meters wide. You can find it beginning at 2 Rue du Charolais. It also starts near Boulevard de Bercy. The alley ends at 236 Rue de Charenton.
In the 19th century, the Chemin de la Planchette extended beyond the Farmers-General enclosure. This enclosure is now Boulevard de Bercy. In the commune of Bercy, it was known as Rue de la Planchette. It stretched until it met Rue de Bercy.
However, much of the Rue de la Planchette vanished in 1847. The Paris to Lyon railway company acquired the land. The former street was sacrificed for progress. The Ruelle de la Planchette is a short reminder of the old street.
Even the Église de Bercy disappeared under railway tracks. This church once stood at the intersection of Rue de l’Église and Rue de la Planchette.
Today, you can reach the Ruelle de la Planchette via Metro line 6 at Dugommier station. Take a moment to appreciate this quiet vestige of old Paris. The Chemin de la Planchette has witnessed centuries of change. It is a subtle yet significant part of Parisian history. As you wander through this narrow lane let your imagination wander.