Did you know that a market once thrived near here? The Cour du Marché Saint-Antoine whispers tales of a bustling past. This private street in Paris’ 12th arrondissement holds a secret. It owes its name to a market. The former Saint-Antoine market once stood at Place d’Aligre.
Let’s step back. Imagine the vibrant energy of that market. Picture vendors hawking fresh produce. Envision locals bartering for the best prices. The Cour du Marché Saint-Antoine provides a link to that lively scene.
This passageway is not very long. It stretches about 80 meters. It’s also quite narrow. It measures only 5 meters wide.
The Cour du Marché Saint-Antoine begins at 39A Avenue Daumesnil. It ends at 86 Rue de Charenton. Think of it as a connector. It bridges two different worlds of Parisian life.
The street’s creation is relatively recent. It was originally known as “voie DJ/12”. In 2001, a municipal decree gave it its current name. The name clearly connects it to the market.
Consider the Faubourg Saint-Antoine’s history. Since the 12th century this area has been a hub for commerce and craftsmanship. Artisans set up shop along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. They also occupied the courtyards and alleyways.
In the 15th century King Louis XI exempted the workers of the Faubourg from taxes. This spurred growth. It became a prime location for woodworking. Furniture and cabinetmaking flourished here.
By the early 18th century over 200 workshops buzzed with activity. Some master cabinetmakers supplied furniture to aristocratic palaces. Charles-André Boulle stood out among them. He was a marquetry artist. Contemporaries considered him the most remarkable of French cabinetmakers. He even served the court of Louis XIV.
Imagine the horse-drawn carts. They would have been filled with exquisitely crafted furniture. These would travel along the roads near the Cour du Marché Saint-Antoine.
Everyone arriving in Paris from the east had to pass through the Saint-Antoine district. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine was a key route. The local artisans greatly benefited from this constant flow of people and goods.
As the 18th century progressed industrialization brought even more workers to the area. They came from industries along the Seine. Revolutionary anecdotes abound in the faubourg’s alleys and passages.
Today the area still enjoys renown. However the workers and artisans have largely given way to boutiques. A wealthier population has moved in. Yet glimpses of the past linger. History hides within the passages of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
Many of these passages are now private and hidden. But some remain for us to discover. Perhaps you might glimpse more as an opening appears.
During your exploration of the area search for clues of the past. Try to imagine the bustling market. Visualize the skilled artisans at work. The Cour du Marché Saint-Antoine offers a quiet moment. It links us to the Saint-Antoine market’s history. It also connects us to the vibrant history of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.