“Imagine strolling down a Parisian street named after English students” you might think. That’s Rue des Anglais. This charming street in the 5th arrondissement has a history as rich as its name suggests.
Rue des Anglais isn’t just any street. It’s a piece of medieval Paris. It existed before the 13th century. Imagine the cobblestones underfoot. Picture the students bustling to class. English students were already studying in Paris. They lived along this very street.
The street’s name is a testament to their presence. Their influence shaped the area. Think about the exchange of ideas. The blending of cultures. This was a street of international students.
Rue des Anglais stretches 74 meters. It runs from Rue Galande and Rue Lagrange. It ends at Boulevard Saint-Germain. The left side near Rue Lagrange changed thanks to Haussmann’s renovations. Number 9 survived. It stands as a remnant of the past. The right side however stayed much the same. This preserves the feel of medieval Paris. Small elongated plots of land remain. Some buildings even kept their medieval gabled roofs.
At number 4 you’ll find the former site of the Père Lunette cabaret. This spot was famous among late 19th century writers. Today some of the cabaret’s murals remain. They are listed as historical monuments. Imagine the lively nights. The laughter and conversations. The stories exchanged.
Another noteworthy location is number 8. In the 1970s it housed Paris’s first gay bar. It was inspired by California bars. The bar belonged to Emmanuelle Béart. Later at number 8. The Manhattan bar hosted a police raid. Men were arrested for public indecency. Their trial became a landmark. The defendants refused to show remorse. They received support from prominent intellectuals. Names like Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze stood by them. The incident highlighted legal discrimination against homosexuals.
Rue des Anglais isn’t just a street. It’s a living timeline. It reveals centuries of Parisian life. From medieval students to a groundbreaking gay bar. It’s a hidden treasure. It offers a unique glimpse into Parisian history and culture. This quiet street echoes with stories. Discover the whispers of the past as you walk its length.