Could this really be the narrowest street in Paris? This is the Impasse des Merisiers. It is a hidden gem tucked away in the 12th arrondissement.
Welcome to the Impasse des Merisiers. It’s more than just a street. It’s a journey through time and a testament to Paris’s hidden charms. The Impasse des Merisiers is indeed Paris’s narrowest street. In some spots it measures a mere 87 centimeters wide. Its average width is only one meter.
Let’s step back in time to 1857. The Impasse des Merisiers was created. It was part of the commune of Saint-Mandé then. It was opened near the bastion 8 of the Thiers wall. This wall was Paris’s last defensive structure. It was built between 1841 and 1844. Only three years later, the street and its surroundings became part of Paris.
The name Impasse des Merisiers has two possible origins. Some say it comes from the wild cherry trees. These trees once lined the Thiers wall. Others believe it’s from a place called “les Mézières”. This place appears on maps from 1850-1860.
For many years the Impasse des Merisiers was not well-lit. Some people thought it looked dangerous. Locals often avoided it. However, it provides access to gardens. It also leads to houses including one with a rare half-timbered structure for Paris.
The Impasse des Merisiers runs between 101 Boulevard Soult and 3 Rue du Niger. This discreet path cuts through the neighborhood’s buildings. Pavilions and gardens hide behind walls. You might spot them over a parapet. Or catch a glimpse through wrought-iron gates.
Writers have found inspiration here too. Patrick Modiano mentioned it in “Dora Bruder” in 1997. Denis Tillinac also featured it in “Boulevards des Maréchaux” in 2000.
In the 1980s, the city added new streetlights. These lights have a unique style. They stand apart from the typical Parisian street furniture.
Imagine walking here on a bright sunny day. You can feel the quiet beauty of this place. It’s like a countryside escape in the heart of Paris. The Impasse des Merisiers offers a unique glimpse into the past. It is a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving story. As you leave, remember the charm and the narrow passage you walked. It’s a memory you will not soon forget.