Charonne

Did Charonne ever feel like a small town swallowed by a big city? Charonne, now nestled in Paris’s 20th arrondissement, was once a village with its own distinct identity. It even had its own mayor. Imagine, in 1859, Napoleon III’s grand vision of a unified Paris led to Charonne’s annexation, changing its destiny forever. This charming district, with its cobbled streets and low houses, still whispers tales of its independent past. Charonne’s heart beats around the 12th-century Church of Saint-Germain-de-Charonne. This Romanesque church, with its squat bell tower, stands watch over one of the few remaining parish cemeteries within Paris city limits. Notable figures like the family of André Malraux and writer Robert Brasillach rest here, alongside victims of the 1871 Paris Commune. A stroll down Rue Saint-Blaise, the former high street, reveals Charonne’s village atmosphere. Quaint lampposts illuminate inviting boulangeries and shops, while a Louis XV-era porch at number 85 offers a glimpse into the past. Charonne’s history intertwines with royalty. The nearby Jardin de l’hospice Debrousse once belonged to the Duchess of Orléans, daughter of Louis XIV. The garden’s centerpiece, the Pavillon de l’Hermitage, is a rare Parisian folly in the Régence style. Its rococo elegance and restored mural paintings transport visitors back to a time of royal leisure. Even a disused railway station plays a role in Charonne’s story. This station, a remnant of the Petite Ceinture railway that once encircled Paris, has been reborn as the vibrant Café de la Flèche d’Or. Patrons can admire a locomotive perched above the bar, a whimsical reminder of the station’s past. Charonne, a hidden gem within bustling Paris. It offers a quiet escape, inviting you to wander through its charming streets and discover the echoes of its rich and unique history.