Quai de la Mégisserie

Have you ever strolled along a Parisian quai, a walkway hugging the river Seine, and felt the history unfolding beneath your feet? Today, we stand on the Quai de la Mégisserie, a bustling hub of Parisian life. We’re right next to the Theatre du Chatelet, so close in fact that the street Édouard-Colonne, tucked between the two, almost feels like part of the quai. Now, this quai wasn’t always a place of such vibrancy. It was a place of unpleasant smells and grim reality. During the Middle Ages, the area was reserved for butchers, who slaughtered sheep there. The stench was overwhelming, and the area was deemed virtually uninhabitable. In a twist of fate, these slaughterhouses became a place where “racoleurs” persuaded young men to join the army, as the air was thick with an air of desperation. Over time, however, this area transformed drastically. The Quai de la Mégisserie became a haven for booksellers, displaying their treasures along the riverbank in little green boxes, a tradition that continues to this day. It also became known for its many animaleries, pet shops where Parisians could find their furry friends. However, this trend came with a cost. The quai was overrun with animals, often displayed on street corners. The city of Paris took action, banning the sale of live animals on the sidewalks. Today, you can still see the heritage of the Quai de la Mégisserie in the many pet shops lining this street, but the wild days of open-aire animal markets are a thing of the past. As you walk along this quai, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Palais de Justice and the Conciergerie across the Seine, their grand facades reflecting in the water. Look to the north, and you will see the elegant Pont Neuf bridge. The Quai de la Mégisserie, with its rich history and vibrant present, is a testament to the ever-changing face of Paris – a city where history and life intertwine.