“Where the whore hides?” That is almost what the Rue Stuart was once known as. This street has a past as colorful as a Parisian sunset.
Welcome to the Rue Stuart. It is a small street with a big story. This is a street in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. It is a place where legends intertwine with a history of Parisian streets.
Once upon a time this very street was known by a different name. It was called Rue Tire-Vit. Vit is an old word for penis. Later, it was named Rue Tire-Boudin. This name translates to pull sausage. This name was less vulgar than the first name. It reflects the street’s history as a red-light district.
Legend says that Queen Mary Stuart walked this street. She was the wife of King Francis II. She inquired about its name. The name was deemed too rude for a queen’s ears. This legend may be false. The name Tire-Boudin was used long before Mary Stuart. But the story stuck.
In 1809, the street was renamed Rue Marie-Stuart. This honored the Scottish Queen. The decision was made by minister Joseph Fouché. He thought the name Grand-Cerf sounded ignoble. He believed Marie Stuart’s name would add character. It would connect the street to Parisian history.
The Rue Stuart is short only 114 meters. It is relatively narrow only 10 meters wide. The street has maintained its medieval layout.
The street is located between Rue Dussoubs and Rue Montorgueil. Rue Montorgueil is known for its market. The closest metro station is Etienne Marcel on line 4.
Imagine the sounds here centuries ago. Street vendors would call out their wares. Carriages would rumble along the cobblestones. The air would be thick with the scent of Parisian life. Today, the street is quieter. But its past whispers from every corner.
The City of Paris maintains open data. The data includes a list of all the city’s streets. There are over 6000 streets. These records reveal interesting facts about their names. Many streets are named after landowners. Some are named after monarchs. A surprising number are named after saints.
The names of Parisian streets have evolved over time. Some street names reflect old trades. Others reflect historical events. Renaming streets can be political. The Rue Stuart is a great example of this.
So, as you stand on Rue Stuart remember its colorful history. Think of Mary Stuart. Think of the brothels. Think of the stories. Consider how a street’s name can change history. Consider how history can change a name.