“Why name a street after a region?” That’s the question many ask when they first hear about Rue d’Alsace. The Rue d’Alsace in Paris is a street steeped in history. It is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Its name comes from the French region of Alsace. The street’s proximity to the Gare de l’Est explains this naming choice.
Originally, the Rue d’Alsace was known as Passage La Fayette. It was reclassified as part of Paris’s road system. This happened by decree and took its current name later. The street stretches about 380 meters. It is relatively narrow with a width of only 8 meters.
Rue d’Alsace runs along the western side of the Gare de l’Est. The southern part is at the station level. The northern part begins at Passage Delanos. It rises above the railway tracks. A double staircase with a landing connects these two sections. The street then extends into Rue de l’Aqueduc.
Interestingly, the east side of the street remains mostly undeveloped. This is with the exception of its northern and southern ends. These exceptions include a building and the train station.
Notably, the elegant staircase on Rue d’Alsace once concealed a hydraulic system. This system was crucial for supplying fresh water to Parisians. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, the aqueduct brought water from the Bassin de la Villette. The water source was fed by the Canal de l’Ourcq. This was to provide potable water to the population. Before this, Parisians relied on the unhealthy water of the Seine and wells. These sources often led to epidemics. Subterranean pipes carried water towards the Seine. The pipes ran along what is now Boulevard de Strasbourg and Boulevard de Sébastopol. The water was then distributed to public fountains. An example is the Fontaine du Palmier at Châtelet. During the Second Empire, this water distribution system was modified. Spring water replaced the original source. The hydraulic structure has since disappeared. Today, the staircase surrounds a ventilation system for Metro Line 4.
Rue d’Alsace has served as a backdrop for several films. Two scenes from “The Sicilian Clan” used the street as a setting. These scenes involved police arriving and a character fleeing down the stairs. In “Amélie,” characters use the staircase of Rue d’Alsace.
In 2021, Rue d’Alsace underwent significant renovations. The goal was to improve the area for pedestrians. This included making it more accessible for those traveling between the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. The renovations aimed to enhance the historical aspects of the train stations through updated public lighting. A key part of the project was to add greenery. This was achieved through the installation of planters.
The transformation of Rue d’Alsace aimed to create a more pedestrian-friendly zone. It sought to highlight the historical importance of the area. The project also focused on improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. As you continue your exploration of Paris, remember the story of Rue d’Alsace. It is a place where history, functionality, and cinematic moments converge.