“A street named after a tree?” you might ask as we stand here on Rue de l’Orme. Yes, indeed. Rue de l’Orme in Paris owes its name to a former wood. This wasn’t just any wood. It was a remnant of a vast Gaulish forest.
Let’s delve into the story of this street. It’s located in the 19th arrondissement. Rue de l’Orme connects the rue de Romainville to the boulevard Sérurier. The rue des Bois intersects it. You can reach it via the Pré-Saint-Gervais and Télégraphe metro stations.
The area was once known as “le bois de l’Orme.” This translates to “the wood of the Elm.” This wood persisted on the southeastern heights. It was part of the old Belleville commune. It remained until the early 19th century.
Rue de l’Orme’s history goes back quite a ways. The street appears on the Belleville commune’s land registry. This dates back to 1812. In 1860, Belleville was annexed to Paris. The street was officially added to Paris’s road system.
Later, the street was extended. It was then called “rue de l’Orme-prolongée.” Eventually, all sections were united. They took the current name, Rue de l’Orme.
You might be interested to know about notable spots. At numbers 10-12, you’ll find the Embassy of Burundi in France. It’s a little piece of Africa right here in Paris.
While walking along Rue de l’Orme, consider its past. Imagine that old Gaulish forest. Think about the village of Belleville. Picture the wood slowly disappearing over time.
Today, Rue de l’Orme is a link between different parts of Paris. It connects people and places. It carries echoes of the city’s long history. So, the next time you pass an elm, remember Rue de l’Orme. It’s a reminder of nature’s enduring presence. It is in the heart of even the most urban landscapes.