Once, it was just a house. This house was called the “Château de l’Étoile”. Now, we stand on Avenue de l’Étoile d’Or. It’s a location with a past that whispers through the cobblestones beneath our feet.
This avenue wasn’t always Avenue de l’Étoile d’Or. History buffs might know it by other names. Rue des Barrés was one. It was named this because it continued that street. Rue des Barrières was another. Both Rue des Petites-Barrières and Rue Petite-Barrée were former names too.
Imagine a time before grand avenues. Picture a ruelle descending to Chault-du-Roy. “Chault” meant chantier or construction site. Later it was called petite ruelle descendant au Chantier-du-Roi. The area transformed. Rue Tillebarrée and Rue Tête Barrée were names it bore. Rue de l’Arche-Doré and Rue de l’Arche-Beaufils completed the street’s evolution of names.
In the old 9th arrondissement, the Rue de l’Étoile stretched only 43 meters. It began at Quai des Ormes and ended at Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Rue des Barrés. Its width was a mere 12 meters. The buildings lining it displayed black numbers. Number 3 marked the last odd number. Number 8 was the final even one.
A ministerial decision in the year VI set its width at 8 meters. A royal decree later expanded it to 12 meters. Then, fate intervened. A decree merged Rue du Fauconnier and Rue de l’Étoile. They united under the name Rue du Fauconnier.
Now, let’s talk about a nearby location, Cour de l’Étoile d’Or. You can find a historic staircase there. It dates back to the 17th century. The wooden ramp is a protected element. Its listing occurred in 1928. The courtyard also has facades and roofs on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. Buildings in the first and second courtyards have protected façades and roofs.
Originally a house, it transformed over centuries. Around 1640, a pleasure house emerged. It featured a staircase showing the four seasons. Buildings of one or two floors appeared in the early 1700s. These had shops on the ground floor. A house with palmettes was erected in the early 1800s. In 1882, an atelier building was erected. Architect De Chabot designed it.
Today, the Avenue de l’Étoile d’Or stands as a testament to time. It embodies Parisian history. Remember the many names and transformations. Reflect on the stories. They echo through its existence.