Quartier Notre Dame des Champs
The history of the Quartier Notre-Dame-des-Champs is intertwined with the development of Montparnasse, originally a rural area known for fields and vineyards. The area's name comes from the Notre-Dame-des-Champs chapel, which housed the first community of Carmelites in 1604. During the French Revolution, the street was temporarily renamed Rue de la Montagne des Champs before reverting to its original name, which reflects the area's transformation from a "grassy road" into a vibrant cultural hub, drawing many artists and writers. Key points in the history of the Quartier Notre-Dame-des-Champs
- Medieval origins: The area was originally a "grassy road" (Chemin Herbu). The street's name originated from the Notre-Dame-des-Champs chapel, which became a monastery for the first community of Carmelites in 1604.
- 19th-century transformation: During the 19th century, the area evolved into a center for artists and writers. Notable figures who lived and worked there include Gustave Courbet, Victor Hugo, André Gide, and Ernest Hemingway.
French Revolution: The street was temporarily renamed Rue de la Montagne des Champs during the French Revolution but was later restored to its original name.
Landmarks: The neighborhood is home to several notable landmarks, such as the neo-Gothic Saint-Ignace Church and the Musée Zadkine