Hidden amongst the bustling Parisian streets lies Rue au Maire. Its name a whisper of history. It speaks of a time long past. A time when Paris was a collection of villages and hamlets.
Rue au Maire sits in the heart of the Marais. It’s a historic district brimming with stories. This street wasn’t always known as Rue au Maire. It was once the main artery of the village of Saint-Martin-des-Champs. Imagine the scene. This street connected Rue Frépillon now Rue Volta to Rue Saint-Martin. It’s a long and rich history.
By 1280 the street was almost completely built. That’s remarkable considering the age. The street played a vital role in Saint-Martin-des-Champs’ life. This area thrived near the fortified walls of the Saint-Martin-des-Champs priory. The priory’s rural domain’s mayor had his office here. This explains its name. Rue au Maire means “Mayor’s Street”.
The street’s name changed over the years. It was called Rue Aumaire in Truschet and Hoyau’s 1552 map. A manuscript from 1636 refers to it as Rue au Maire. Some sources even claim it was known as “Rue de Rome”. We may never know for sure.
The street’s history isn’t without tragedy. In 1918 during World War I a shell from the infamous Grosse Bertha exploded at number 18. Imagine the devastation. The impact of that event must have scarred the community.
Rue au Maire is more than just a street. It is the heart of Paris’s oldest Asian quarter. Wenzhou Chinese immigrants established businesses and workshops here. This has shaped the area’s character for generations. The area now houses numerous Asian shops and restaurants.
In 1833 an ordinance widened Rue au Maire to ten meters. It also encompassed the Impasse de Rome. The street extended further in 1854. This was at the expense of Impasse de Rome reaching Rue des Vertus. This later section became wider. It was even named “Rue Aumaire Prolongée”.
The creation of Rue de Turbigo led to the removal of a section of Rue au Maire. This part lay between Rue de Turbigo and Rue Saint-Martin. The street’s appearance changed significantly throughout history.
Today Rue au Maire remains a vital part of Parisian life. A reminder of the rich tapestry of the city’s past. This unique street shows the city’s blend of history and modernity. The street is a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris. It holds stories from centuries past. Walk its length and you’ll feel the city’s heartbeat.