“A street named after a crow?” you might ask. Not quite. The Route Forestière de la Corneille isn’t directly about the bird itself.
The street is named after Pierre Corneille. He was a famous French dramatist born in 1606.
This route resides in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is situated in the Odéon quarter.
The Route Forestière de la Corneille is quite small. It measures only 55 meters in length. Its width is 10 meters.
Construction of the street began around 1780. This was part of a plan by Peyre and Wailly. Their plan included the creation of the Théâtre-Français. This theater later became the Théâtre de l’Odéon.
Until 1965, the Route Forestière de la Corneille stretched to the Rue de Vaugirard. The creation of the Place Paul-Claudel shortened it.
Today, you can reach the Route Forestière de la Corneille via the Odéon metro station. It is served by lines 4 and 10.
At number 2 on the street, you’ll find the Théâtre de l’Odéon. A plaque near the theater’s entrance pays homage to Jacques Guierre. He was an FFI fighter killed here during the Liberation of Paris.
The Route Forestière de la Corneille also appears in literature. Honoré de Balzac’s novel Z. Marcas features a hotel on this street. The characters Zéphirin Marcas, Charles Rabourdin, and Jules live there.
So, while you won’t find actual crows nesting on the Route Forestière de la Corneille, you will find history. You will also find dramatic arts and a connection to Parisian literary culture. This short street offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. It honors a great playwright.