“A peaceful little dead end with provincial charm,” you might think, as you stand at the entrance of Place des Charmilles. This small Parisian impasse, shaped like an “L,” is a quiet haven from the city’s bustle. The name “Charmilles” comes from the rows of charming lime trees that once lined the street. Today, these trees are gone, but their memory lingers in the street’s name.
Place des Charmilles wasn’t always part of Paris. It started in 1863, when the Second Empire annexed the region from the neighboring commune of Vanves. The street’s name changed several times, first known as “Impasse des Jardinets,” then “Impasse des Charmilles,” before finally becoming Place des Charmilles in 1928.
The old charm remains. The cobblestone road, with its small, adjoining houses and modest buildings, feels almost forgotten. Stepping inside, you’ll see an old workshop with a wooden frame and a verdant, country-like atmosphere. This is a place where time has seemed to stand still.