Perhaps you have wondered who Cottin was. Was he an artist? A poet? Not at all. Monsieur Cottin’s sole merit is being the landowner. The Passage Cottin sprouted on his land in Montmartre.
Welcome to Passage Cottin. This unique Parisian passage is located in the 18th arrondissement. It’s a hidden gem on the butte Montmartre. The Passage Cottin starts at 17 rue Ramey and ends at 18 rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre.
Passage Cottin is 130 meters long. The first part is flat. The second part is a long, steep staircase. It is only 2.2 meters wide. This narrow passage offers a unique experience.
Originally a private road, Passage Cottin became a public road. It was classified into the Parisian road network. The passage owes its name to the owner of the adjacent land. He was simply known as Cottin. The Cottin family were notable people. Rue Jean Cottin also pays homage to this family.
Passage Cottin is part of the Vieux Montmartre site. This adds to its historical significance. The passage has inspired artists. Maurice Utrillo painted “Le Passage Cottin” in 1912. This oil on cardboard work is at the Centre Pompidou. Utrillo truly loved this place. He set up his easel here.
Actor Fabrice Luchini mentioned his parents’ fruit and vegetable shop. It was on the corner of Passage Cottin and rue Ramey. This adds a personal touch to the passage’s history.
Several painters followed Utrillo’s example. Renoux created a painting that evokes a silent city. It feels almost disturbing. Gazi le Tatar also painted the passage. He offered a more original angle. Gazi lived on rue Lepic with Suzanne Valadon. He considered her a mother. Utrillo was like a brother to him.
Since 1997, a banquet reunites about 100 people twice a year. Most attendees are from the neighborhood. In 2005, a photograph of the street taken in 1905 was recreated. About forty people participated.
Passage Cottin is more rarely painted or photographed. This is especially true in the downward direction. Yet, this part reveals the most rural houses. These houses disappear under foliage in the springtime.
Locals wanted new photos to be taken. This was in the tradition of old postcards. These photos capture the passage’s charm. They show the joy of being from Montmartre. Today, Passage Cottin retains its unique charm. It offers a glimpse into Montmartre’s past.