“Logs down here?” A question echoes from the past as we stand on Rue de la Bûcherie. This street in Paris whispers tales of salted meats and a notorious affair.
Rue de la Bûcherie is in the 5th arrondissement. It is one of the oldest Rive Gauche streets. The street’s name comes from the ancient “Port aux bûches”. This was a port where logs were put down.
In the Middle Ages, damaged meats were salted and boiled here. This was done to feed the poorest people. Imagine the sights and smells of this street centuries ago.
Later, in the 17th century, La Voisin lived here. She was a key figure in the affaire des poisons. This scandal disgraced King Louis XIV’s reign.
Nicolas-Edme Rétif, the French novelist, also called Rue de la Bûcherie home. He lived here in the years leading up to his death in 1806.
Until the late 1970s, Rue de la Bûcherie was a popular street. It had mixed restaurants such as Lebanese, Asian and Pakistani. There were also antique dealers and art galleries. The Annick Gendron contemporary art gallery opened at number 1 in the 1970s.
The ancient Faculty of Medicine’s dissection amphitheater is still on Rue de la Bûcherie. Jacques-Bénigne Winslow once taught here.
Today, you can also find Shakespeare and Company at number 37. This bookstore specializes in English language books. It also employs and boards English-speaking writers.
The street itself is not very long. It stretches 160 meters. It is about 8 meters wide. Rue de la Bûcherie runs from Rue Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre to Rue du Petit-Pont.
As you stroll along Rue de la Bûcherie, consider its layered history. From a place of necessity to a haven for artists and writers, this street encapsulates the spirit of Paris.