Rue de la Huchette

Hidden in plain sight, Rue de la Huchette in Paris awaits. This narrow, cobbled street pulses with life. It’s a far cry from its quieter beginnings. Rue de la Huchette dates back to the 13th century. It started as Rue de Laas, alongside a vineyard called Clos du Laas. The vineyard was sold and divided for urban development. The street’s name changed around 1284, taking its name from a house owned by the Notre-Dame chapter. The house was called “À la Huchette d’Or.” The word “huchette” likely comes from “hutchet,” the old term for a bugle. By the 17th century, Rue de la Huchette buzzed with taverns and rotisseries. These lively establishments filled the air with the aromas of roasting meat and the sounds of revelry. One could easily imagine the cries and laughter echoing through the quarter. Author Elliot Paul lived on Rue de la Huchette in the 1920s and 30s. He captured the street’s vibrant atmosphere in his book, “The Last Time I Saw Paris.” He described the residents and their daily lives in vivid detail. At number 5 Rue de la Huchette stands Le Caveau de la Huchette. This 16th-century building, once a hotel, became a jazz club in 1946. It earned the nickname “Temple of Swing.” Its cavernous interior and narrow stairways add to its unique charm. The club hosted legendary jazz musicians like Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. It continues to draw crowds with its lively music and dancing every night. Another notable address is number 23, home to the Théâtre de la Huchette. This small theatre has a remarkable history. Since 1957, it has staged two plays by Eugène Ionesco. “The Bald Soprano” and “The Lesson” run as a double bill. This makes them the longest-running show in modern theatre history. The theatre holds just 85 people, but over 1.5 million spectators have witnessed these iconic performances.