Once upon a time this street was named Rue d’Angoumois. This charming street now known as Rue Charlot has a rich history. It sits in the Haut Marais district. Today let’s explore its past.
Rue Charlot begins at Rue des Quatre-Fils. It ends at Boulevard du Temple. This relatively narrow street exudes Parisian charm. It showcases the classic Marais vibe.
Back in 1626 Rue Charlot was created. It stretched from Rue des Quatre Fils to Rue Béranger. Later in 1694 it expanded. It reached from Rue Béranger to Boulevard du Temple. Originally this street was called Rue d’Angoumois.
Claude Charlot a savvy developer left his mark here. He transformed from a Languedoc peasant into a wealthy financier. Charlot built several houses along this street. Over time people started calling it Rue Charlot after him.
In 1694 Rue Charlot absorbed Rue d’Orléans-au-Marais. This extended the street south. The city named the new northern section Rue Bosc. This was in honor of Claude Bosc. He was a prominent official. Yet the name Rue Bosc faded away. People preferred Rue Charlot and it stuck.
A fun fact is that the street’s width was initially set at 7.60 meters. But a decision by L Bonaparte in the year VIII increased it to 8 meters. Later it was widened to 10 meters.
At number 6 stands the Armenian Catholic Church Sainte-Croix. It was previously known as Saint-Jean Saint-François. Before 1623 Capuchin monks occupied this site. They were known as the Capuchins of the Marais. People recognized them by their long beards and pointed hoods.
Madame de Sévigné a notable figure often visited this convent’s chapel. This was when she lived nearby on Rue de Thorigny. The Revolution closed the convent. In 1791 it became the Saint-François-d’Assise church. It closed again in 1793. Later in 1798 it reopened for worship after an agreement in 1801.
Aristide Cavaillé-Coll a famous organ builder installed an instrument here. Celebrated composers like César Franck and Léo Delibes played it. Jules Massenet was also a frequent player.
At number 8 you will find a hotel from the early 18th century. Louis-Marie Debelleyme lived here from 1842. He was once the police prefect. He introduced the famous omnibus for public transport. Debelleyme also created the first uniformed police officers. Before they wore ordinary clothes making them indistinguishable from regular citizens.
At number 9 Nestor Roqueplan was born in 1804. He was a prominent figure in the arts. He served as editor-in-chief of Le Figaro. Roqueplan also managed the Opéra-Comique.
Rue Charlot still echoes with stories of the past. It shows how a street’s name can evolve. It reflects the people who shaped it. This street is a reminder of Paris’s vibrant history. It is a history layered with tales of developers officials and revolutionaries.