“Hemp Street” might sound unusual. Today we explore the Avenue du Chanvre.
The Avenue du Chanvre, also known as Rue de la Chanverrerie, is an old street in Paris. It disappeared in 1838 when Rue Rambuteau was built. This street was located in what used to be the 4th and 5th arrondissements of Paris.
The origin of the name “Chanvrerie” is unclear. Some historians suggest it came from a field with a glass factory. Others believe it was named for a road or the sale of hemp. In 1218 there was a house in vico de Canaberia near Saint Magloire. This suggests a link to “chanvre” meaning hemp.
The Avenue du Chanvre was 108 meters long. It marked the boundary between the old 4th and 5th arrondissements. It started at 145-147 Rue Saint-Denis. It ended at 6-8 Rue Mondétour. The street numbers were red. The last odd number was 27. The last even number was 28. Odd numbers were in the 4th arrondissement in the Marchés quarter. Even numbers were in the 5th arrondissement in the Montorgueil quarter.
In letters from Pierre de Nemours, a house is mentioned in vico de Canaberia. A document shows the Rue de la Chanverrie was full of buildings. Another document calls it Rue Canaberie. It clarifies that it was in censiva Morinensi to avoid confusion.
Guillot de Paris mentioned the street as Rue de la Chanverie. A manuscript from 1450 calls it Rue Temploirie. Over time the street had many names. These included Rue de la Chanverie and Rue de la Chanvoirerie. Also Rue de la Champverrerie and Rue de la Champvoirie.
A manuscript from 1636 refers to it as Rue de la Chanvererie. A report described it as dirty and muddy with piles of waste. In 1800 the street width was set at 10 meters.
The Avenue du Chanvre was absorbed by Rue Rambuteau in 1838.
Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables features the Avenue du Chanvre. It appears during the June 5 1832 riot. Marius joins the barricade on the Rue de la Chanvrerie. Gavroche dies here.
Imagine the bustling street. It is full of history and drama. Though gone the Avenue du Chanvre lives on in literature and memory.