“Processions of old,” I say, that’s the story behind the Impasse de la Procession. This street holds a secret in its name, a whisper from Paris’s past.
The Impasse de la Procession is found in the 15th arrondissement. It is a slice of history tucked away from the modern bustle. Imagine, if you will, a time before cars dominated these streets. Envision religious processions winding their way through Vaugirard. The Impasse de la Procession owes its name to these very processions. Parishioners from the Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard church once walked here.
This area was once part of the commune of Vaugirard. Plans from 1730 show it as both “chemin de la Procession” and “chemin Vert”. “Chemin” is the French word for way or path. Paris annexed Vaugirard in 1863. The Impasse de la Procession became part of the city.
In 1873, the construction of the Montparnasse train line changed things. The railway cut the street in two. The section towards the 14th arrondissement became Rue de Gergovie.
The Rue de la Procession is about 880 meters long and 15 meters wide. You can get here via line 12 at the Volontaires station. The street starts at 245, rue de Vaugirard and ends at Rue de Gergovie.
Look around. Notice the square Necker nearby. At number 16, you’ll spot an Art Nouveau building. Architects Théodore Lambert and Victor Bompar designed it. Number 27 is home to the French Institute of International Relations. The headquarters of the CFTC is at number 45. CFTC stands for French Confederation of Christian Workers.
The Impasse de la Procession links us to a time of religious devotion. It is a reminder of simpler times. It invites us to reflect on the changing face of Paris. As you wander, remember those processions. Picture the faithful. Hear their prayers echo through the centuries. The Impasse de la Procession isn’t just a street. It’s a journey through time.