Was it really just a simple shortcut? Passage Delanos whispers tales of a time when Paris was a very different place. We are standing at the entrance of Passage Delanos. It is located in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. This passage offers more than just a way to get from A to B.
Passage Delanos provides a glimpse into Parisian life of the 19th century. This narrow passage links the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis and the rue d’Alsace. It provides a unique route between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est.
The story of Passage Delanos starts in the 1830s. Mr. Delanos, a local property owner, gave the passage its name. But its original purpose is even more intriguing.
Above the entrance on rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, you will notice a cow’s head. This is not just decoration. It is a clue to the passage’s past. Passage Delanos was once a “vacherie”. This was a dairy where cows were kept and milk was sold.
In the 19th century, fresh milk was highly valued. Transporting it from the countryside was difficult. So, vacheries popped up within Paris itself. Passage Delanos was one of these urban farms. It provided fresh milk to locals. It even served those living up in Montmartre.
Imagine the scene. Cows were housed here. Milkmaids went about their work. The sounds of the countryside echoed within the city. The air was thick with the scent of fresh milk and hay. It was a far cry from the bustling streets outside.
The passage consists of three rectangular courtyards. The first two run perpendicular to the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis. The third forms a T-shape. This leads to an exit on rue d’Alsace near the Gare de l’Est.
Look around at the architecture. Notice the green shutters and the flower boxes. These details add charm to the passage. They evoke a sense of old Paris.
Passage Delanos also has a cinematic past. It served as a filming location for “The Sicilian Clan”. Alain Delon’s character flees through the passage. He escapes via the rue d’Alsace exit.
In the 1960s and 70s, a small grocery store operated in the first courtyard. It catered to the residents of Passage Delanos. This detail paints a picture of a close-knit community.
Today, Passage Delanos is a quiet haven. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. As you walk through, think about its history. Think about the cows, the milkmaids, and the families. It’s a journey through time. This unassuming passage encapsulates a slice of old Paris. It reminds us of a time when city and country were intertwined.