“A cross and small fields”, that is what comes to my mind when I talk about Rue de la Croix Rubis. But let’s explore the story of Rue de la Croix-des-Petits-Champs, a street with a name that hints at its origins.
This street is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Rue de la Croix-des-Petits-Champs is 373 meters long. It stretches between 12 and 20 meters in width.
Once upon a time, the land here was full of small fields or gardens. These were known as “petits champs” in French. Near Rue des Pèlicans, a cross stood beside a house. This cross gave the street its name.
Part of Rue de la Croix-des-Petits-Champs has existed since King Philip Augustus reigned. King Louis XIV wanted to reorganize the Place des Victoires in 1685. He asked for the houses on the street to be aligned. This was to create a better view of his bronze statue. The affected section became Rue d’Aubusson. It was named after François, Vicomte d’Aubusson. He was building a grand house on Place des Victoires. Later, the entire road was called Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs.
Jean-Antoine Chaptal made a ministerial decision on March 24, 1802. He set the street’s minimum width at 10 meters. A royal order on May 2, 1837, increased it to 12 meters.
Doctor Guillotin lived at the Hôtel Gesvres on Rue Croix-des-Petites-Champs in 1793.
The Hôtel Portalis, also known as Hôtel de Jaucourt, stands at number 43. It was built in 1733. Sébastien Charpentier was the master-mason. Pierre Desmaisons designed it for Countess Pierre de Jaucourt, Marie-Josèphe de Graves. This building features a unique facade. It has a projecting turret on squinches above the streets. It sits on the corner of Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs and Rue La Vrillière.
The main entrance to the Bank of France is located here.
Several famous people have called Rue de la Croix-des-Petits-Champs home. Jean-Baptiste Jacques Augustin lived at the former number 25. He was a miniature portrait painter. He lived there until at least 1831. Nicolas Tripier also lived at number 42. He was a famous lawyer. His home was the Hôtel de Lussan.
So, as we stand here on Rue de la Croix-des-Petits-Champs, remember its story. From small fields and a simple cross to a street fit for a king, its history is etched into every stone.