“Three Yvonnes, you say? Who were they?” I imagine that is the question on your mind as we stand here on Rue des Trois Yvonne. This street in Paris is steeped in history. It is not just a pathway. It is a testament to Parisian resilience. It is also a tribute to a woman named Yvonne Le Tac.
Rue des Trois Yvonne is located in the 18th arrondissement. More precisely it is within the Clignancourt district. The street stretches 189 meters. It begins at 7 Rue des Trois-Frères. It ends at Place des Abbesses and 2 Rue La Vieuville. The traffic here moves in a single direction. It heads towards Place des Abbesses.
The closest metro station is Abbesses. Line 12 serves this station. When the street was created in 1843-1844, it was named Rue Antoinette. This was after the wife of one of the landowners. The name later changed to Rue Marie-Antoinette. However, this change lacked official authorization. In 1879, it reverted to the simpler Rue Antoinette. This was partly to avoid associations with Queen Marie Antoinette. She was guillotined during the French Revolution.
Finally, the street received its current name. This happened by decree. The street was inaugurated with Yvonne Le Tac’s children present. Who was Yvonne Le Tac? She was a teacher and principal. She worked at the girls’ school at number 7. She was also a member of the French Resistance. During World War II, she was deported for her bravery.
At number 7, where the street’s namesake taught, the Yvonne-Le-Tac school stands today. Before the school was built, the Chapelle des Martyrs stood here. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesus here with his companions.
At number 8, notice the house set back from the street. This style is typical of old Montmartre. Saint Denis was beheaded at 11 Rue Yvonne Le Tac. According to the legend, Saint Denis picked up his head. He then walked to the top of the hill. He dropped dead at the place where they then built a church.
Rue des Trois Yvonne offers a glimpse into Montmartre’s past. Montmartre has always been a haven for rebels. In 1871, Montmartre residents formed their own community. This was known as La Commune. They remained independent from Paris for nearly three months. Montmartre was once a separate village. Napoleon III annexed it to Paris in 1860. Even today, some Montmartre residents consider themselves separate.
Montmartre is also known for its artistic history. Many artists lived here in the 19th and 20th centuries. Picasso often paid for lunch with his drawings at the Au Lapin Agile cabaret.
Just a short walk from Rue des Trois Yvonne, you will find the Clos Montmartre vineyard. It is the only vineyard left in Paris. The wine produced here is not considered very good. All proceeds go to charity.
To reach the top of Montmartre, you can take the metro to Abbesses station. Be prepared to climb many stairs. The Abbesses metro station is the deepest in Paris. Alternatively, you can take the Montmartrobus. Walking is another enjoyable way to explore Montmartre.