Have you ever wished to be transported back in time? Stand here, in front of Rue de Turbigo, and you can almost hear the echoes of history. This street, named after the Battle of Turbigo, a Franco-Savoyard victory over Austria, is more than just a thoroughfare; it is a living testament to Paris’s dynamic past. The Rue de Turbigo was born from the ambitious urban renewal project of the Second Empire, aiming to connect the Republic Square with the newly built Central Market Halls. This grand vision brought forth the demolition of several old streets, including Rue du Temple, Rue du Vertbois, and Rue des Fontaines-du-Temple, forever changing the landscape of the city.
Amongst the remnants of the old, a unique monument stands proud. Look up and see the angel with the majestic stature, perched on the facade of a building. This is the highest caryatid in Paris, sculpted in 1851, designed by Auguste Émile Delange. It is a testament to the artistic spirit that flourished in Paris during this period. The Rue de Turbigo has seen more than its fair share of bustling activity. Where once carriages rumbled, now cars whiz by, but the echo of history remains.
A plaque bearing the inscription “Le Chariot d’or, fondé au XIVe siècle” decorates the facade of one of the buildings. It recalls the “Chariot d’Or” inn, whose stables and office were located on the same site. In the 19th century, two renowned Bouillon Duval restaurants thrived at numbers 9 and 45, offering a taste of Parisian life to the locals and visitors alike.
The Rue de Turbigo also holds memories of tragedy. On January 30, 1918, during the First World War, number 31 was struck by German bombs, a chilling reminder of the war’s reach.
But the Rue de Turbigo also pulsates with a vibrant contemporary energy. The street has become a hub for trendy shops and restaurants, attracting youngsters and artists alike. Every time you walk down this street, you are not just walking on cobblestones. You are walking on the footsteps of history, on the stories of those who lived, loved, and dreamed in this Parisian avenue. The Rue de Turbigo, a tapestry woven from the threads of many eras, invites you to discover its captivating past and experience its exciting present.