Ever wondered about the history behind a street name? Let’s explore Allée des Arquebuses in the Marais district of Paris. This unassuming street holds a fascinating story. It’s linked to the Compagnie des Arquebusiers a company of soldiers. They trained nearby on the grounds of the Bastion de l’Ardoise. This bastion was part of Charles V’s city walls.
The Compagnie des Arquebusiers was established in 1609. They were skilled in using arquebuses early long guns. Imagine the sounds of these weapons echoing across the training grounds. The bastion itself was demolished around 1670. The new boulevard Beaumarchais replaced it. The northern section of Allée des Arquebuses opened in 1721. This was on the gardens of the Hôtel d’Ecquevilly. This impressive hotel belonged to the widow of Auguste de Harlay. She inherited it from her father Chancellor Louis Boucherat.
The street wasn’t always called Allée des Arquebusiers. It was originally known as Rue Harlay-au-Marais. Later it was called Rue Diderot. Its present name came in 1879. This reflects its connection to the nearby former training grounds. The even-numbered side of Allée des Arquebuses is unique. It sits atop the remaining portion of the old bastion. Notice how the street slopes down to Boulevard Beaumarchais. This is because the ramparts and bastion were higher than the surrounding area. Inner courtyards still contain original staircases. These connected the street level with the boulevard level.
Allée des Arquebuses is not just a street. It’s a living link to the past. It whispers of soldiers gunsmiths and a bygone era. A bygone era when the sounds of arquebuses once filled the air. It preserves a small piece of Paris’s military history. A history often overlooked in the bustling city. The street serves as a tangible reminder of this important chapter. This is a street with a rich and fascinating history. So next time you’re in the Marais remember Allée des Arquebuses. Remember its hidden stories and its unique past.