How about a quick escape from the main thoroughfare? Here at Impasse de Lévis, we find a slice of Parisian history tucked away. This narrow passage in the 17th arrondissement offers a brief respite from the lively Rue de Lévis.
Impasse de Lévis is a short street. It measures only 19 meters long and 3 meters wide. Its story is intertwined with the larger Rue de Lévis. The Impasse de Lévis is located in the Batignolles quarter.
The origin of its name is quite simple. It takes its name from its proximity to Rue de Lévis. Rue de Lévis was named after a local landowner. Before getting its current name, this tiny street was known as Impasse Fauconnier. This former name came from a farmer living nearby. This farmer’s name was Fauconnier. He lived at number 20 on Rue de Lévis. The change to Impasse de Lévis occurred following an official decree.
The Rue de Lévis itself has an interesting past. It was once a Roman road connecting Lutetia to Argenteuil. Over time, it helped shape the village of Monceaux. That village developed into the area we see today. That explains the older architecture found here, compared to neighboring streets.
Even the Rue de Lévis has seen its share of significant events. Back in 1810, number 8 Rue de Lévis was home to a cabaret. This cabaret had a banquet hall capable of hosting 5,000 people. Later, in 1840, the Patin cafés transformed the space into a political meeting spot. Prominent figures like Gambetta, Clemenceau, and Victor Hugo held public gatherings there. In 1884, Louise Michel and the anarchist group La Panthère des Batignolles also held a meeting there. Police intervened after the event. The former Patin cafés factory, built in 1885, and a private mansion built in 1906 are now listed as historical monuments.
While the Impasse de Lévis may seem like just a footnote, it connects to a rich history. Its proximity to the bustling Rue de Lévis and its connection to the past makes it special.