Rue Montfaucon

“A street named after a scholar, not a gallows?” That’s the first puzzle of Rue de Montfaucon in Paris. This street in the 6th arrondissement, nestled near the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, often confuses people. Its name evokes the gruesome Gibbet of Montfaucon, a medieval execution site. But Rue de Montfaucon has a far more scholarly connection. It honors Dom Bernard de Montfaucon, a Benedictine monk of Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey. He was a renowned 17th/18th-century scholar, not an executioner. The street itself runs from Place d’Acadie to Rue Clément. It’s a short street, a mere 47 meters long and 12.5 meters wide. Imagine walking its length. You might pass number 2, the site of the former Art Deco Palace Hotel, built in 1926 by Étienne Parrain. Writer Léon-Paul Fargue, who once lived there, even described it in his book “Le piéton de Paris.” At number 3, you’ll find a building dating back to 1725. This structure is the sole survivor of a building project led by the Cardinal de Bissy. Before it bore its current name, Rue de Montfaucon was known as “Rue de Bissy” and later “Passage Bissy.” It marked the entrance to the Saint-Germain fair, a bustling marketplace distinct from the Saint-Germain fair. This street, despite its macabre-sounding name, offers a glimpse into a rich and layered past. It connects us to a scholarly legacy and the vibrant commercial history of the area. So next time you hear the name Montfaucon, remember the scholar, not just the gallows. This quiet street in Paris whispers stories of a fascinating past, waiting to be rediscovered.