Dreaming of China in Paris? Here on the Rue de la Chine, the name itself sparks curiosity. This street got its name from an old Chinese-style building. It once stood proudly at the corner of Rue de Ménilmontant.
Let’s dive into the Rue de la Chine’s past. The street’s story stretches back to the 17th century. Back then, it was part of “Rue de la Cour-des-Noues”. It was also known as “Sentier des Hautes-Gâtines”. This was between the Rue de la Cour-des-Noues and Rue Villiers-de-l’Isle-Adam.
By the early 19th century, the section between Rue Villiers-de-L’Isle-Adam and Rue de Ménilmontant already had its current name. It was called “Rue de la Chine”. Later, both sections joined and officially became the Rue de la Chine.
This street sits in the Pére-Lachaise neighborhood of Paris’s 20th arrondissement. The lines 3 and 3 bis serve it. The Gambetta station is your closest stop.
Rue de la Chine is not just any street. It holds secrets within its buildings. At number 4, you will find the main entrance to Hôpital Tenon. This hospital is famously known as the official birthplace of Édith Piaf. Despite the legend, she was born here and not on the street. Opposite the hospital entrance is access to Square Édouard-Vaillant.
At number 7, Jean-Baptiste Jecker met his end. He was shot at this location. Number 35 has its own story to tell. Serge Gainsbourg’s parents called this place home in the 1920s. Tragically, Hélène and Marie Sztycberg also lived here. They were arrested and deported to Auschwitz in 1942. They died there at the ages of 8 and 15.
The street has also made its way into literature. Yannick Haenel’s novel “Les Renards pâles” features this street. The main character chooses to live in his car. He parks it permanently on Rue de la Chine, withdrawing from society.
Even music has embraced Rue de la Chine. It is mentioned in the beginning of the song “Christina”. Serge Lebrail and Guy Magenta wrote it. Patachou famously performed it.
So, as you walk along the Rue de la Chine, remember its layers. It is a place of birth and death, of stories and songs. It is a quiet corner of Paris with echoes of the past.