Ever walked down the narrowest street in Paris? Welcome to the Allée des Merisaies. Tucked away in the 12th arrondissement this unassuming alley boasts a fascinating history. It’s barely a meter wide at its narrowest point. That’s just 87 centimeters. Think of squeezing through a very tight doorway. This is Allée des Merisaies.
The Allée des Merisaies wasn’t always a Parisian street. Its origins trace back to a much earlier time. It was once a communal path in the village of Saint-Mandé. It became an official Parisian street in 1847. Before that it was simply a path through the countryside. This was long before Paris expanded to include Saint-Mandé.
The name itself holds a mystery. Some believe it comes from a place called “les Mézières” appearing on maps from 1850 to 1860. Others envision a wild cherry orchard. This would have lined the defensive walls of Thiers. Built between 1841 and 1844 under Louis-Philippe these walls were part of Paris’s defenses. The Allée des Merisaies sat near Bastion number 8. Imagine a time when this tiny alley was surrounded by fortifications.
The creation of the wide Boulevard Soult in 1861 drastically altered the Allée des Merisaies. A large section was lost. Later the demolition of the Thiers fortifications between 1919 and 1929 changed the area profoundly. The land was developed with many new buildings. Despite this rapid development the Allée des Merisaies survived. It became a charming reminder of a bygone era. A testament to the past that remains amidst modern Paris.
Even the streetlights are unique. In the 1980s the city installed unique lampposts that differ from the standard Parisian style. They add to the charming and distinct nature of this unique alley. Today the Allée des Merisaies endures as a hidden gem. It’s a testament to Paris’s layered history. Its narrowness its history and its unique charm make the Allée des Merisaies a truly special place.