“Why ‘Paradis’?” someone once asked. The Allée du Paradis, a street with a name that evokes images of heavenly beauty, holds a few secrets within the 10th arrondissement.
Let’s explore the story of the Allée du Paradis. It is not directly connected to divine tales but it has some interesting history.
The Allée du Paradis is near the Rue de Paradis. The Rue de Paradis owes its name to a place formerly called the Prés-des-Filles-Dieu.
In 1710 the place called “Les Paradis” was a vegetable garden. It belonged to the religious community of the Filles-Dieu. Imagine nuns tending their crops. This location later gave its name to the Rue de Paradis.
The Rue de Paradis became known as the street of crystal and porcelain. The nearby Gare de l’Est allowed easy transport of materials. These materials came from Lorraine.
Notable buildings marked Rue de Paradis. At numbers 7 and 7 bis is a building that won an award in 1908. It won the Concours de façades de la ville de Paris.
The former faience factory at number 18 has a rich history. In 1889, the faience factories of Choisy-le-Roi built their store here. Architects Georges Jacotin and Ernest Brunnarius designed the building. It later became the Musée de la Publicité.
Inside, much of the walls were covered in faience decor. The facade on the street and the vestibule were remarkable. The staircase and the exhibition hall were also notable.
At numbers 30, 30 bis, or 32 stood the old crystal factories. Around 1831, Baccarat and other glassmakers used this location to distribute their products. Baccarat eventually established a bronze workshop there.
The Maison Pinet was located at number 44. Founded in 1855 the building displayed “CHAUSSURES – F PINET – CHAUSSURES” in mosaic above the door. François Pinet expanded his workshops. Two caryatids adorned the building representing work and commerce.
The Hôtel de Raguse was at number 51. The capitulation of Paris to foreign troops was signed here. This happened in the night of March 30, 1814.
The Rue de Paradis even appears in pop culture. It is featured in the French version of Monopoly. Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt mentions the street in his book. Jacques Tardi depicts the Rue de Paradis in his comic.
Films have also used the Rue de Paradis. “Le Professionnel” and “Taken” included scenes on this street.
So while the Allée du Paradis itself may not have grand stories. Its proximity to the Rue de Paradis connects it to a fascinating history of industry art and culture in Paris.