Rue de la Ville Neuve

Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Paris’ 2nd arrondissement lies a street named Rue de la Ville Neuve. What secrets does this seemingly ordinary street hold? Rue de la Ville Neuve translates to “New City Street”. This name whispers of a history intertwined with transformation. The street’s story begins not with grand boulevards, but with a refuse heap. This “Butte des Gravois” or “Mound of Rubble” rose between the 10th and 16th centuries. Imagine a landscape of discarded debris, mud, and waste. This unlikely foundation became the birthplace of Rue de la Ville Neuve. In 1540, pathways were carved out on Bonne-Nouvelle hill, including the precursor to our street. These were erased in 1593, only to be reborn in 1623. To entice merchants and artisans, tax exemptions were offered. Rue de la Ville Neuve, then called “Neuve-Saint-Étienne-de-Bonne-Nouvelle”, became a haven for commerce. Later it was renamed “Saint-Étienne-de-la-Ville-Neuve”. Its current name, Rue de la Ville Neuve, was officially adopted in 1867. Today, Rue de la Ville Neuve is a short street, just 122 meters long and 5 to 8 meters wide. It’s a far cry from its humble beginnings. The street connects to Boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle and Rue Beauregard, nestled near the Bonne-Nouvelle metro station. A walk down Rue de la Ville Neuve offers glimpses into its past. At number 1, you’ll find the side entrance to the Beauregard school. Number 14 holds a unique piece of Parisian history: Le Beverley, the last pornographic cinema in Paris. The same location, numbers 14-16, once housed the Petit-Saint-Chaumont convent, a stark contrast to its later tenant. Rue de la Ville Neuve stands as a testament to Paris’s ever-evolving nature. From a mound of rubble to a bustling street, its story reflects the city’s resilience and constant reinvention.