Imagine: A rabbit warren once stood where we’re standing on Rue Didot. This Parisian street in the 14th arrondissement has a story that stretches back to the commune of Montrouge.
Rue Didot connects Boulevard Brune to Rue du Château. It is over a kilometer long. The street’s history is rich and varied.
The street owes its name to the Didot family. They were a dynasty of French printers, publishers, and typographers. Their contribution to French culture is immense.
Originally, part of Rue Didot was called Rue du Terrier-aux-Lapins. This section ran between Rue du Château and Rue du Moulin-Vert. It was part of Montrouge before Paris annexed the area in 1863.
This old street ran along the Château du Maine estate. The castle disappeared at the end of the 19th century. In 1874, the street extended from Rue du Moulin-Vert to Rue d’Alésia.
Later, Rue Didot stretched further. It went from Rue d’Alésia to Boulevard Brune. This happened by absorbing the Sentier des Mariniers.
Today, Rue Didot provides access to the Promenade Jane-et-Paulette-Nardal. This walkway, created in 2019, links Rue Didot to Rue Raymond-Losserand.
Rue Didot has unique features. It provides access to many impasses or villas. It also crosses the old Petite Ceinture line via an overpass. This gives it a “countryside in Paris” feel.
Georges Brassens, a famous singer, lived near Rue Didot. He lived between Rue Didot and Rue de Vanves. Rue de Vanves is now Rue Raymond-Losserand. A posthumous song is dedicated to this area. Jean Bertola recorded it in 1982. Maxime Le Forestier covered it in 1996. Its title is Entre la rue Didot et la rue de Vanves.
From 1850 to 1960, Breguet had its business at No 19 on Rue Didot. They made turbines and motors there.
At Nos 32-34, you’ll find Cité Anne-Marie-Bauer and Square Alberto-Giacometti. These feature townhouses and low-rise buildings.
Villa Mallebay is at No 86. It’s a picturesque impasse. The former Broussais-la-Charité hospital was located at No 96.
Villa Duthy is at No 99. It’s a straight, small village street. Villa Jamot is at No 105. Green pavilions line an alley.
At No 119, there’s Villa Collet. It is paved and has small townhouses and old buildings.
Rue des Thermopyles begins on Rue Didot. You can also access Villa Mallebay from here. The street crosses the former Petite Ceinture line.
As you walk along Rue Didot, imagine the printers. Think of the rabbits. Picture the castle. Hear Brassens’ song. See the villas. Feel the history. Rue Didot is more than just a street. It’s a journey through time.