Rue Léon Richer

“A sewer? Really?” you might scoff, wrinkling your nose at the thought. But here on Rue Léon Richer, the seemingly mundane hides a surprisingly fragrant history. Rue Léon Richer, a street in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, wasn’t always the bustling avenue we see today. In the 18th century, it was humbly known as “ruelle de l’Égout,” or “Sewer Alley.” It followed the path of a newly constructed sewer line. This rather unglamorous beginning sets the stage for a tale of transformation. The sewer, built between 1739 and 1740, stretched an impressive distance from Rue Vieille-du-Temple to the Quai de Chaillot. Over two thousand laborers toiled to complete this feat of engineering. The open sewer, however, proved to be a nuisance. It ran right past the newly constructed Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, a venue for royal entertainment. Imagine the delicate noses of the aristocracy being assaulted by the less-than-pleasant aromas. In the 1760s, part of the sewer was covered over. Later, an enterprising mason named Guillaume Élie Le Foulon offered to cover the remaining portion up to Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre. This paved the way, quite literally, for the street’s official christening. In 1780, Jean-Charles Richer, a Parisian lawyer and city official, lent his name to the former “Sewer Alley.” King Louis XVI decreed that the narrow eight-foot alley would be widened to 36 feet and renamed Rue Léon Richer. However, this ambitious plan proved impractical and was later reduced to 30 feet. This width ensured that Rue Léon Richer aligned perfectly with Rue des Petites-Écuries to the east and Rue de Provence to the west. So next time you stroll down Rue Léon Richer, remember its humble origins. From a simple sewer alley, it blossomed into a vital artery of Paris. Its transformation mirrors the city itself, constantly evolving, yet always retaining a touch of its unique history.