Along the Rue du Vertbois in Paris a captivating story unfolds. This isn’t just any Parisian street. It’s a living testament to history. Its very name whispers of a verdant past. The Rue du Vertbois likely gets its name from the green trees that once surrounded the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs. This priory a significant religious center played a pivotal role in the street’s development.
Imagine the scene centuries ago. The priory’s walls stood tall. Its enclosed gardens were vibrant with green trees. These trees likely gave the area the name Vert Bois or Green Wood. The street grew up alongside the priory’s walls. It witnessed centuries of Parisian life.
The Rue du Vertbois has a long and interesting history. In the 13th century the priory’s enclosure was built. This included walls and towers overlooking the street. At the time it was known as Rue Neuve-Saint-Laurent. This older name gives us a glimpse into the street’s earlier identity. Its current name eventually supplanted the old one. It evolved organically from the landscape. The street also had a past tied to the nearby Saint-Martin-des-Champs church. The church was once used by the Museum of Arts and Trades.
The Rue du Vertbois has seen significant changes. It was once an area of prostitution. In 1831 thirty-six women were recorded as living there. During the Second World War it became home to an artists’ workshop called Atelier du Vert-Bois. This workshop served as a hub for creativity and artistic expression. Jean Lombard a painter led the Atelier du Vert-Bois.
Today one can still find remnants of the priory. The northwestern tower of the priory’s enclosure still stands. You can see it where Rue du Vertbois meets Rue Saint-Martin. It stands proudly today thanks to the efforts of the Society of Antiquarians. Victor Hugo supported their efforts to save this historical landmark from demolition in 1882. A nearby fountain known as the Vert Bois fountain complements this historical tower. The area between Rue Saint-Martin Rue du Vertbois Rue Montgolfier and Rue Bailly marks the priory’s boundaries. The priory’s walls are still visible today on the Rue du Vertbois. This street is a living museum.
A new gate was built in 1687 at the corner of Rue du Vertbois and Rue Saint-Martin. It was built by the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs. This gate adds another layer to the rich history of the street. Its walls have witnessed countless stories. Each cobblestone echoes with centuries of Parisian life. The Rue du Vertbois is more than just a street. It is a living tapestry of time. It speaks of faith art and the ebb and flow of Parisian life.