“A priest’s land” is the literal meaning of “Terres-au-Curé”. The story of Rue des Terres Rouges begins with its name. This Parisian street is named after a place. The place was a large field. It belonged to a priest.
Rue des Terres Rouges is located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. It starts at 70 rue Regnault. It ends at 41 rue Albert.
Originally part of the commune of Ivry the street appears on an 1812 cadastre. Back then it was called “chemin de la Coupe-des-Terres-au-Curé”. In 1863 it was integrated into Paris’s road system. It officially became Rue des Terres-au-Curé.
The street’s history took an interesting turn. When the Petite Ceinture railway was built Rue des Terres Rouges was cut in two. The severed section became Square Masséna.
Today you will find an important address here. At number 18 the headquarters of France Parkinson association resides. It offers support and resources. It is a place for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Rue des Terres Rouges is not very long. It measures only 213 meters. It is 12 meters wide. The street tells a story of Parisian evolution. It evolved from a rural path to a part of the urban landscape. It has adapted to the city’s changing needs. The railway construction is an interesting example of this adaption.
The name “Terres-au-Curé” reminds us of Paris’s past. Paris was not always a metropolis. The story is about the connection to the land and its people. Even today Rue des Terres Rouges reflects Paris’s capacity to absorb and integrate. It once was a small path. Now it is a place of community and support.