Is it a road? Is it a path? A track? It’s the Chemin de la Carrière in Paris. Today we delve into its history.
The Chemin de la Carrière translates to “Path of the Quarry.” This name hints at its past. The Chemin de la Carrière is a former quarry. It’s a subterranean stone quarry.
Its exploitation is attested from before 1492. This suggests that the quarry has a long history. It provided materials for the city’s construction.
The name comes from the fact that the galleries of this quarry lead to sculptures made in the catacombs. Antoine Décure was an artisan. He represented Port-Mahon in Minorca. It was made in the catacombs. During a visit to the catacombs, one can see these sculptures. Not far from them, a closed gate blocks access to the Carrière du chemin de Port-Mahon.
The quarry was classified as a historical monument. The Council of State confirmed this classification. It specified that the Port-Mahon underground quarry dates from the 14th century. It is the only one truly attested from this period beneath Paris. It presents a complete panorama of stone exploitation at the end of the Middle Ages.
In 1815, it was one of the attractions during visits to the catacombs. Imagine people venturing into the depths. They explored the eerie tunnels.
Since 2003, this historical monument belongs to a real estate developer. The developer wishes to build foundations there. This is in order to erect several buildings on the surface. This real estate program project has given rise to several disputes between the developer and heritage defense associations. They are united in a collective.
The Chemin de la Carrière’s history has seen changes. It shifted from quarry to tourist attraction. Today it is a site of contention. The past confronts the present. It tells a story of Paris’s evolution. The Chemin de la Carrière remains a vital piece.