The Rue des Boulets, a bustling street in the 11th arrondissement, was once a significant thoroughfare connecting Saint-Denis to Saint-Maur. Its name, literally translated as “Street of Cannonballs,” holds a fascinating history. While some believe it refers to the bouleaux trees that once flourished there, others point to its role in the wars of religion in the 16th century, where cannon fire likely echoed throughout the area. However, the most probable origin lies in the coal trade. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Parisians depended heavily on coal for cooking and heating. This trade, in its early days, involved the transportation and storage of coal in roughly round pieces, called “boulets,” hence giving the street its name. Today, the Rue des Boulets thrives with its eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural spots. The street’s heritage, however, remains tangible in its name, a reminder of Paris’s ever-changing landscape and a crucial chapter in its industrial past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to