Why Poitevins? The Impasse des Poitevins whispers tales of students from Poitou. It is believed that many of them lived on this very street in the 13th century.
Let’s step back in time. The Impasse des Poitevins wasn’t always known by that name. In 1448 it was called Rue Poitevine. Before that, it had many names. In 1253 it was called Rue Gui le Queux because a man named Guy le Queux lived here. Over the years, it transformed. It was known as via Guidonis ad Pictavinas in 1288. By 1291 it had become via Grimaud ad Pictavinas. It changed again to via Guiart as Poitevins in 1292. The street was called Rue Ginart aux Poitevins in 1300. Then it became Rue Gerard aux Poitevins in 1358.
Imagine this narrow passage centuries ago. Students from Poitou filled these streets. They brought their books and dreams to Paris. The Impasse des Poitevins became their Parisian home. Their presence shaped the street’s identity.
The Impasse des Poitevins once stretched further. It extended to Rue Serpente. Part of it was even called Rue du Pet in the 15th century. Later, it was known as Rue du Petit-Pet in 1560. A manuscript from 1636 refers to it as Rue du Gros pet. This section disappeared when Rue Danton was built around 1895.
Now, look around at the buildings. Number one housed a small community of Catholic intellectuals between 1936 and 1939. They later founded the Éditions du Seuil. Number two served as the headquarters for Éditions du Seuil from 1937 to 1945. Then they moved to 27 Rue Jacob.
Notice numbers six and eight. These are the petit and grand hôtels de Thou. Christophe de Thou, a president of the Paris parliament, first lived here. He established a major library in 1587. In the 18th century part of the hotel housed the Panckoucke printing house. They published Le Mercure de France. From 1855 to 1895 another part hosted the pension Laveur. This lodging house and restaurant was frequented by famous figures. Léon Gambetta and Georges Clemenceau often dined here.
The Impasse des Poitevins has witnessed history unfold. Students and intellectuals have walked these stones. Printing presses and literary gatherings once filled the air. It has been a home, a haven and a hub of creativity.
As you stand here, remember the layers of history. The echoes of past lives resonate. The Impasse des Poitevins is more than just a street. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris.