Hidden in the heart of Montmartre lies Impasse Girardon. This narrow passageway whispers tales of artists and a forgotten fountain. Impasse Girardon is more than just a street. It’s a piece of Parisian history.
Its name honors the sculptor François Girardon. His legacy lives on in this small lane. The street’s location near the similarly named Rue Girardon cemented its identity. Impasse Girardon wasn’t always known by its current name. It began life as Impasse de la Fontaine-Saint-Denis. Later it became Impasse de la Fontaine-du-But.
The Fontaine-du-But a source of abundant water once flowed here. It supplied the village of Clignancourt. Perhaps it even served the nearby Gallo-Roman villa. Historians suggest the name “Buc” might derive from “bucca” meaning mouth or “bouc” a goat sacrificed to gods. This abundant water source is now long gone.
Impasse Girardon has attracted notable residents. Number 2 housed the studio of painter Gen Paul. Jules Pascin briefly resided there in 1909. Kees van Dongen lived at this address from December 1899. He stayed for five years with his family. Actress Anouk Aimée spent her final days in Impasse Girardon.
Today Impasse Girardon remains a quiet reminder of Montmartre’s rich past. Its narrow confines hold centuries of stories. The echoes of artists’ brushes and the murmur of Parisian life linger in the air. Walk its length. Imagine the lives that unfolded within its walls. Impasse Girardon is a true hidden gem. It waits to be discovered by those who appreciate its history.