Intrigued by a street that changed names like seasons? Welcome to Rue du Saule. This street resides in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Rue du Saule is not just any street. It is a testament to Montmartre’s evolving identity.
Rue du Saule begins its journey on the slopes of Montmartre. It starts at 20, rue Norvins and 18, rue Saint-Rustique. The street ends at 135, rue Marcadet. It stretches 468 meters and is 10 meters wide. As you walk, notice how it descends, connecting Clignancourt and Grandes-Carrières. Its slopes feature Montmartre’s characteristic staircases.
The name Rue du Saule translates to Willow Street. This name comes from the willow trees that once graced its path. Before 1867, different sections of this street had different names. In 1843, the section between rues Saint-Rustique and Saint-Vincent was called rue des Fontaines. The part between rue Norvins and rue Saint-Vincent was known as rue de la Saussaye.
Rue du Saule has been a muse for artists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, painters captured its essence. Their works reflect the area’s blend of working-class life and bohemian spirit. In 1900, the street was home to the last water carriers with shoulder straps.
During World War II, bombings affected Rue du Saule. In April 1944, Allied aircraft targeted a nearby railway depot and a German anti-aircraft gun. A witness recounted seeing flames near Saint-Denis and the Saint-Denis plain ablaze from Rue du Saule.
The street also has a history of sheltering immigrants. In 1910, an Israeli night shelter opened at number 12, now 42, rue des Saules. It welcomed Jewish immigrants from Poland and the Russian Empire. A plaque at 49, rue des Saules commemorates Jewish children who were deported during the war.
Among its notable buildings is Au Lapin Agile at number 22. This cabaret, built in 1795, was a hub for early 20th-century artists. Max Jacob, Pablo Picasso, and Roland Dorgelès frequented this spot. It was formerly known as the Cabaret des Assassins. Also, the Funambule Montmartre theater is located at number 53.
Rue du Saule has inspired painters. Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Maurice Utrillo immortalized it in their art. Van Gogh painted La Guinguette. Utrillo captured La Maison Rose.
The street has also appeared in cinema. Jean-Paul Belmondo’s character in Le Marginal had an apartment on Rue du Saule. More recently, it served as a filming location for Studio Bagel’s short film Déjà vu.
As you stand here, remember the artists, the water carriers, and the echoes of history. Rue du Saule is more than a street. It is a living canvas.