Rue Poliveau

From a bridge over the now-vanished Bièvre river, Rue Poliveau gets its intriguing name. Rue Poliveau meanders through the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It whispers stories of a past far removed from the bustling city we see today. Originally, Rue Poliveau bore the name “Rue du Pont-Livaut”. This name, meaning “Livaut’s Bridge”, referred to a small bridge crossing the Bièvre. Over time, the name evolved and became corrupted, transforming from “Pont-Livaut” to “Ponliveau” and finally to “Poliveau”. But the river is gone, and the bridge is but a memory. Yet, the name remains. The street’s history stretches back to the 13th century. Documents refer to the area as “Locus Cinerum”, meaning “Place of Ashes”. Theories abound about this mysterious name. Some speculate it was a site of Roman funeral incinerations. Others believe a devastating fire reduced the area to ashes. The mystery adds to the allure of Rue Poliveau. Rue Poliveau had other names throughout history, reflecting the changing landscape and character of the area. It was known as “Rue de la Cendrée”, or “Ash Street”, perhaps recalling the “Locus Cinerum”. Another name, “Rue des Saussaies” or “Willow Street”, evokes a time when willows lined the riverbanks. Rue Poliveau was even “Rue de la Voirie”, or “Street of the Waste Disposal”, because it led to one of Paris’s waste disposal sites. Today, a listed Wallace fountain stands on Rue Poliveau, a quiet reminder of the street’s vibrant past. This very street was also a filming location for the 1956 film “La Traversée de Paris”. While the exterior shots were filmed further down the street, the address “45, rue Poliveau” became iconic thanks to Jean Gabin’s memorable performance. Rue Poliveau may not be as grand as the Champs-Élysées or as famous as the Rue de Rivoli. However, it holds a unique charm and a rich history waiting to be discovered. It’s a place where echoes of the past mingle with the present. So, next time you’re in Paris, stroll along Rue Poliveau. Let its story unfold beneath your feet, whispering tales of a forgotten Paris.