Rue Émile Duploye

Tucked away in the 18th arrondissement, Rue Émile Duployé whispers tales of a forgotten past. This unassuming street, once known as Passage Doudeauville, holds a unique story. Rue Émile Duployé began its life in 1856 as a pathway connecting Rue Doudeauville and Rue Marcadet. It was a time of rapid growth for Paris, and this small passage was a testament to the city’s expanding boundaries. The passage wasn’t a straight shot. It turned at two right angles, creating a small, secluded world within the bustling city. Fast forward to the late 19th century. The city continued its transformation, extending Rue Stephenson northwards. This extension sliced through Passage Doudeauville, dividing it into two distinct sections. The western part remained Passage Doudeauville, while the eastern section became Passage de la Goutte-d’Or. The year 1931 brought a significant change for Rue Émile Duployé. The western passage, once Passage Doudeauville, was renamed in honor of Abbé Émile Duployé (1833-1912). Duployé, a remarkable figure, invented a shorthand method that bears his name. His legacy lives on in this quiet street, a testament to his contribution to the written word. The eastern section, Passage de la Goutte-d’Or, also received a new name in 1971, becoming Rue Francis-Carco. Today, as you walk along Rue Émile Duployé, you can still find remnants of its past. Look for numbers 7 and 9. There, you’ll see the base of an old wall and a small turret, marking the entrance to Rue Maxime-Lisbonne, another hidden gem in this vibrant neighborhood.