Rue Malassis

In the heart of Paris, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement, lies Rue Malassis. It’s a quiet street, easy to miss amidst the grandeur of the city. But Rue Malassis holds a unique story, a tale of transformation from a humble path to the street we see today. Rue Malassis began as a simple track through vineyards. This unassuming path connected the Chemin du Moulin-de-Vaugirard to the Rue des Tournelles, as shown on the 1730 Roussel map. Imagine farmers guiding their carts laden with grapes, the scent of ripening fruit heavy in the air. Life was simpler then, the rhythm of the seasons dictating the pace of daily life. Rue Malassis, then known as “Rue des Paillasses,” played a vital role in the local economy. Later, the street gained a rather peculiar name: “Rue du Poil-de-l’Ane,” or Donkey Hair Street. This unusual moniker arose from the practice of shearing donkeys and horses along the path. The sounds of clip-clopping hooves and the occasional bray would have filled the air. In 1863, Rue Malassis officially became part of Paris. It transitioned from a rural lane to a city street, adopting the name “Ruelle Malassis.” A portion of the street, between Rue Olivier-de-Serres and Rue de la Saïda, disappeared in 1897, further shaping its current form. Finally, in 1932, it received its current name, Rue Malassis, a name that whispers of its past lives. Today, as you stand on Rue Malassis, take a moment to imagine those bygone eras. Picture the vineyard workers, the barbers with their shears, and the gradual evolution of this small street. Rue Malassis may be short, only 72 meters long, but its history is rich and layered. It serves as a quiet reminder of the constant change that shapes our cities and the enduring stories held within their streets.