Picture this a charming lane tucked away in Montmartre. This is Allée du Lys a place with a rich history. It is not just any street. It leads to a remarkable building Chateau des Lys. This ancient edifice boasts over 300 years of history. It stands as one of Montmartre’s oldest structures.
Initially constructed in 1771 Chateau des Lys served as a mill. Its purpose was to grind materials for porcelain manufacturing. The mill’s location in Clignancourt a small village before becoming part of Paris. This highlights the area’s agricultural past. Even Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet near Sacré-Coeur once housed a windmill.
Following the French Revolution the building transformed. It became a hotel then a cafe known as La Tourelle. Imagine enjoying a coffee there a century ago. It even sold fresh cows’ milk. The cafe’s turret became a subject for the famous French painter Maurice Utrillo in the early 1900s.
The building’s name changed several times. It was once called the Donjon then the Don Juan. Its current name Chateau des Lys reflects its history. Despite some wear and tear the turret is a classified historical monument. Today however the building functions as a swingers club.
So Allée du Lys leads to a building with many lives. From a mill to a cafe to its current use it reflects Montmartre’s evolution. It stands as a testament to the area’s rich history and vibrant character. Explore Allée du Lys and discover more hidden stories. This charming street is only a small part of a bigger story. A story waiting to be uncovered.