Who Lived in an Old House in Paris Covered in Vines?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever heard the nursery rhyme “Who Lived in an Old House in Paris Covered in Vines?” If you have, you might be wondering who actually lived in that house and if it really existed. Well, the truth is, there isn’t a definitive answer, but let’s explore the possibilities.

The Nursery Rhyme

First of all, let’s take a look at the nursery rhyme itself:

Who lived in an old house in Paris covered in vines?
Twelve little girls in two straight lines.

This opening verse is from the popular children’s book series “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story follows Madeline and her classmates who live in a boarding school run by Miss Clavel. The house they live in is described as “an old house in Paris that was covered with vines.”

The Inspiration

It is believed that Bemelmans was inspired by a real-life house he saw while traveling through Paris. The house he saw was located at 3 rue Git-le-Coeur, near the Seine River.

It was covered with greenery and had many windows. Although it’s not certain whether this was the exact house that inspired him, it certainly fits the description.

The History

The actual history of this house is somewhat unclear. It is known that it was built during the 16th century and was originally used as a wine cellar for monks. Later on, it became a tavern and then a distillery before being converted into apartments.

During World War II, the area around rue Git-le-Coeur became known as “Little Chicago” because of its reputation for being a hub of espionage activity. It is possible that some spies even used the old vine-covered house as their headquarters.

The Present Day

Today, the vine-covered house still stands at 3 rue Git-le-Coeur. It has been renovated and is now an apartment building. The vines that cover the house are carefully maintained and add to its charm.

In Conclusion

So, who lived in the old house in Paris covered in vines? It’s possible that Bemelmans was inspired by a real-life house on rue Git-le-Coeur, but it’s also possible that he simply created a fictional location for his story. Regardless of its true origins, the house has become an iconic symbol of “Madeline” and continues to capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.