Beneath our feet lies centuries of Parisian history. This is Rue du Sentier. This street gave its name to the entire Sentier district. But what’s in a name? Let’s unravel the story of this iconic Parisian street.
Until the 16th century, Rue du Sentier marked the outer edge of Paris. It was a path protected by the Charles V enclosure built in the 14th century. Rue de Cléry and Rue d’Aboukir echo the layout of that old fortification. They remind us of the city’s former defenses and moats.
The origin of the name “Sentier” is debated. Some say it comes from the path itself. Others believe it’s a corruption of words like “Chantier” or “Centière.” One account even mentions a starving wolf roaming here in the harsh winter of 1612-1613.
Rue du Sentier is actually the result of merging two streets. These were the Rue du Gros Chenet and the original Rue du Sentier. The Rue du Gros-Chenet got its name from a sign at the corner of Rue Saint-Roch. Today, that’s Rue des Jeûneurs.
At number 8 Rue du Sentier, you will find a place with a musical past. The Mozart House stands here. In 1778, Mozart’s mother died here during their European tour. Her funeral took place at Saint-Eustache Church. Only Mozart and a friend attended. She was buried in the Saint-Joseph cemetery. Molière was also buried there. Sadly, this cemetery no longer exists.
The street has seen many changes. By the 19th century, Rue du Sentier became the heart of Parisian fashion. Honoré de Balzac referenced the street in “Le Bal de Sceaux.” His character, Maximilien de Longueville, lived there.
From the 1990s, Rue du Sentier evolved beyond textiles. Media, communication, and internet companies moved in. However, this era was marred by the Sentier II affair. This involved scandals of fraud and money laundering.
Today, Rue du Sentier is experiencing a renaissance. Startups are flocking to the area. They are drawn to its central location and large buildings. The Hoxton hotel group has established a large hotel here. Talented chefs are also opening restaurants on Rue du Sentier. Jason Gouzy earned a Michelin star at his restaurant Le Pantagruel.
Rue du Sentier stretches 330 meters. It runs from 114 Rue Réaumur to 7 bis Boulevard Poissonnière. Its minimum width is 10 meters.
The street’s story is captured in literature and film. Balzac and Céline wrote about it. Dominique Manotti’s “Sombre Sentier” is set against a backdrop of striking Turkish workers. Films like “La Vérité si je mens!” also feature the area.
So, as we stand here on Rue du Sentier, we’re not just on a street. We are standing on layers of Parisian history. It is a path from medieval fortifications to modern innovation.