Have you ever walked a street that whispered stories of centuries past? Rue du Fouarre now Rue Foubert in the heart of Paris holds such secrets. This unassuming street near the Sorbonne once held the most illustrious schools in Paris. In the 13th century scholars flocked here. Its name then Rue des Ecoliers then Rue des Ecoles reflected its purpose.
Students sat on hay or straw during classes. Around 1300 it became Rue au Feurre Hay Street. The spelling evolved to Fouarre before 1320. Imagine Dante Alighieri a student here under the great philosopher Siger of Brabant. He learned and debated right where you stand.
In 1358 Sorbonne University staff closed the street at night. Two doors one at each end kept out unwanted visitors. In 1535 Parliament ordered these doors kept shut during the day. Students complained about the noise from the public. Francois Rabelais author of Gargantua and Pantagruel mentioned Rue du Fouarre. His character Pantagruel studied here.
Honoré de Balzac in his novel Prohibition described the street’s decline. By the 19th century it was one of the dirtiest streets in the 12th arrondissement. Balzac painted a vivid picture of poverty and hardship. The street was renovated and widened in 1887. The southern part joined Rue Lagrange. Rue du Fouarre was shortened to its present length.
Today building number 6 shows signs of its school days. It houses French language classes. Rue Foubert reminds us of Paris’s rich history. Its evolution from a center of learning to a neglected street and back to a place of education is a testament to the city’s resilience. The echoes of great minds still linger here. Take a moment feel the weight of history under your feet. Rue Foubert’s story is a captivating chapter in the Parisian narrative.