How about a journey through a street named after a dreamer? The Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam in Paris. It whispers tales of literary genius and quiet resistance. This street in the 20th arrondissement, is more than just a path. It is a tribute to a French writer.
The Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam stretches between Rue Sorbier and Rue Pelleport. Auguste de Villiers de L’Isle-Adam lends his name to this Parisian street. He was a French writer born in 1838 and passed away in 1889.
Once, this street was just a path. In 1812, the cadastral plan called it “sentier de la Cloche-à-l’Eau”. By 1839, it marked part of the boundary between Belleville and Charonne. It was part of the Rue des Partants then. A decree in 1863 integrated it into Paris’s road system. The street officially became Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam in 1907.
There is an interesting feature at the Rue des Pyrénées. An impasse forms towards Rue de la Chine, marked by a staircase. Between Rue de la Bidassoa and Rue Sorbier, the Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam becomes a pedestrian zone.
Number 54 holds a special story. Here, Mr. Juvenel’s printing house operated secretly. During 1942-1944, it printed the “France d’abord” newspaper. It also produced many false papers for the Resistance, including 36,000 fake ID cards.
The average price per square meter in Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam is 8,899€. This was the average price in August 2023. But, strong price disparities exist.
The average rent per square meter is 28€. The lowest price is 22€ and the highest is 36€.
As you walk along the Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam, remember its layers. From a simple path to a tribute to a writer and a haven for resistance. This street encapsulates Parisian history.