Might a humble public well lend its name to a street? Indeed, it did for Rue du Bon-Puits. It is a former street in Paris. Sadly, it has vanished today. Its story is intertwined with the city’s ever-changing landscape.
Rue du Bon-Puits was once part of the old 12th arrondissement. Now, it is part of the 5th arrondissement. The street disappeared during the construction of Rue des Écoles. Do not confuse it with the current Rue de Torcy. It was also named Rue du Bon-Puits before 1867.
Before the French Revolution, Rue du Bon-Puits belonged to the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont parish. During the Revolution, it became part of the Sans-Culottes section. Later, it was named the Jardin-au-Roi district. This happened when the old 12th arrondissement was created in 1795.
Rue du Bon-Puits started at Rue Saint-Victor. It ended at Rue Traversine. Rue Traversine disappeared when Rue des Écoles was created. Before the late 17th century, the street extended to Rue Clopin. However, in 1680, the street was closed. The section south of Rue Traversine became an impasse. This dead end was called Cul-de-sac du Bon-Puits.
The street’s numbers were black. The last odd number was 21. The last even number was 20. Rue du Bon-Puits got its name from a public well. This well served the community.
Construction on the street began around 1230. By 1250, it was known as Rue du Bon-Puits. Guillot de Paris mentioned it in Le Dit des rues de Paris. He called it Rue du Bon-Puis. In 1540, it was briefly known as Rue de Fortune. Later, it returned to its original name. A 1636 manuscript also refers to it as Rue du Bon puis.
In 1855, Paris underwent major transformations. These were under the Second Empire. The city declared the straightening and extension of Rue des Écoles as a public necessity. This extension would reach the intersection of several streets. These included Rue Saint-Victor and others. The creation of Rue des Écoles led to the disappearance of Rue du Bon-Puits. The opening of Rue Monge was planned in 1858. It would also pass through the location of Rue du Bon-Puits.
The plan for expropriating properties for these streets was finalized in 1865. Demolitions mainly occurred from July to September 1866. Today, buildings at 1, Rue Saint-Victor, and 8 and 9, Rue des Écoles, stand on its former site. Square Paul-Langevin was also created there.
Imagine the bustling life on Rue du Bon-Puits. People gathered at the public well. They exchanged stories and drew water. The street witnessed centuries of Parisian life. It evolved from a simple path to a named street. It saw revolution and transformation. Though gone, its memory lives on in historical records. Its name echoes through the ages. Next time you are in the area, remember the vanished Rue du Bon-Puits.