Hidden in the 18th arrondissement Rue Coustou boasts a rich history. It wasn’t always called Rue Coustou. Once known as Rue Florentine this Parisian street held a different identity. A decree later changed its name to honor the renowned sculptor Guillaume Coustou 1678-1746. Many streets in this area are dedicated to artists.
Rue Coustou is more than just a street name. It’s a literary landmark. The Nobel Prize-winning author Patrick Modiano lived at number 11. He wrote extensively about the street in his novels Remise de peine La Petite Bijou and Pour que tu ne te perdes pas dans le quartier. Modiano’s descriptions paint vivid pictures of his early writing days in a small apartment at the corner of Rue Coustou and Rue Puget.
Another notable literary connection links Rue Coustou to Emile Zola. Young Naturalist writers met in a nearby caterer’s shop. They reportedly ate food as unappetizing as the literary world itself. Their gatherings were described by Henri Barbusse in his Zola biography. The group eventually relocated to a new meeting place on Rue Condorcet.
Rue Coustou also played host to the legendary Les Trois Baudets. This cabaret at number 2 launched the careers of many iconic French singers. Jacques Canetti opened this venue in 1947. He championed unknown artists. Jacques Brel Georges Brassens Charles Aznavour and many others performed there. Les Trois Baudets became a crucial part of Montmartre’s revival as a center for French song.
The street itself is a blend of architectural styles. A beautiful Art Deco building stands at the beginning. This building was designed by Charles Lemaresquier. He also designed other notable Parisian structures. Number 4 is another architectural gem a functional garage from 1927. It is a stunning example of the Modern Movement. Even today Rue Coustou reveals its layers of history. It whispers stories of artists writers and musicians who shaped Parisian culture. It’s a place where literature and art intertwine. The street’s quiet charm holds memories of a vibrant past.