5 Famous Streets of Paris With Fascinating history
In 1789, crowds flooded the streets of Paris, shouting for change. One of the busiest routes was Rue Saint-Denis. It’s just one of many streets in Paris where history still echoes in every step. Here are five streets that tell Paris’s most fascinating stories!
1. Rue des Rosiers
Rue des Rosiers, in the heart of Paris’s 4th arrondissement, stretches 303 meters through the historic Saint-Gervais district.
This street, rich in Jewish heritage, was first mentioned in 1230 and has evolved over centuries.
It once served as a significant hub for Jewish life, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as immigrants fled persecution.
Significant buildings along the street include the École de Travail, which played a key role in the Jewish community during WWII, and the Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph-Migneret, a peaceful space with remnants of the medieval Philippe Auguste wall.
Today, the street is known for its falafel shops, eateries, and boutiques, blending tradition with modern influences.
The street is now pedestrian-friendly on Sundays, offering a quiet atmosphere and access to the serene Jardin des Rosiers.
2. Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Rue de l’Abreuvoir, nestled in the Grandes-Carrières district of the 18th arrondissement, stretches 133 meters from Rue des Saules to Place Dalida.
Its history dates back to 1325, originally referred to as a “ruelle” or alley leading to the Butte fountain. By the 17th century, it appeared on maps as a path leading to a fountain known as Butte, which today would be located at Place Constantin-Pecqueur.
Notable buildings include La Maison Rose at number 2, once frequented by artists like Maurice Utrillo, and Villa Radet at number 16, part of the Cité internationale des arts. The area also saw the filming of Patate in 1964.
The street remains a charming, historical corner of Montmartre, with references to past literary and artistic moments.
3. Rue Saint Denis
One of Paris’s oldest streets, with origins dating back to the 1st century when the Romans established it as a route leading to Saint-Denis.
Over the centuries, it has evolved from a Roman thoroughfare to a bustling medieval artery, extending northward during the Middle Ages.
The street has long been associated with the sex trade, a reputation it has maintained into modern times.
In the 14th century, Rue Saint-Denis became the first street in Paris to be paved, marking a significant advancement in urban infrastructure.
During the French Revolution, it was renamed Rue de Franciade. The street also played a pivotal role in the June Rebellion of 1832, famously depicted in Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Misérables.
Today, Rue Saint-Denis is a vibrant area with diverse shops, bars, and restaurants. Notable landmarks include the Church of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles and the Chambre des Notaires building.
4. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine
This is one of Paris’s most historic streets. It stretches from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation.
It has played an important role in the city’s history, starting as a Roman road and later becoming a thriving center for artisans, especially woodworkers and furniture makers.
In the 18th century, the street was at the heart of revolutionary Paris, with the working-class residents actively involved in key events like the French Revolution of 1789 and the uprisings of 1848.
Today, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine still holds a lot of its past charm, with landmarks like the Hôpital Saint-Antoine, an old hospital, and the Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, which still serves as a hospital today.
The street has evolved with modern shops, restaurants, and cultural spots, and is an important commercial area.
5. Rue Saint Jacques
Rue Saint-Jacques is one of the oldest streets in Paris, with roots going back over 2,000 years. Originally part of the Roman city of Lutetia, it was a main road connecting the Île de la Cité to the southern parts of the city.
In the Middle Ages, the street became an important stop for pilgrims traveling the Chemin de Saint-Jacques, the famous route leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The church Église Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas, built in the 16th century, marks one of the key points for these travelers.
As the Latin Quarter grew in the 13th century, Rue Saint-Jacques became a lively area for scholars, thanks to the founding of the Sorbonne. Today, it still holds a strong academic presence with institutions like the Sorbonne University and the Collège de France.
The street also features some stunning architecture, including the Église Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas, a striking example of Gothic design, and the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, a famous school that’s been around since the 16th century.
Today, Rue Saint-Jacques is a dynamic street with several academic institutions, lively cafés, and shops, drawing students, locals, and visitors.