“Peace Street” someone sighs. That’s what Rue de la Paix translates to. But its history is more than just peaceful. Rue de la Paix is a fashionable shopping street in central Paris. It sits in the 2nd arrondissement. It runs north from Place Vendôme to Opéra Garnier.
Today we explore Rue de la Paix. It is famous for its jewelers. Cartier opened a shop here in 1898. Charles Frederick Worth was the first to open a couture house on this street. Many buildings here draw inspiration from the hôtels particuliers of Place Vendôme.
Let’s rewind to 1806. Napoleon ordered this street to be opened. It was part of his plan to develop the Right Bank of Paris. He wanted to connect it to the western suburbs and the north. The construction required demolishing the ancient Convent of the Capucins. Initially, it was named Rue Napoléon.
In 1814, the name changed. This was after the Bourbon Restoration. The new name, Rue de la Paix celebrated the peace that was established.
But peace wasn’t always the case here. During the Paris Commune, a protest occurred here. On March 22, 1871, National Guard soldiers fired into a crowd. The marchers were mostly unarmed and heading to Place Vendôme. Twelve protestors and one soldier died. This event is known as the Massacre in the Rue de la Paix. It was the first act of violence against Parisians after the Siege of Paris.
Rue de la Paix is easy to reach. You can take Métro Line 1. Or you can hop on bus 72.
Many famous businesses have called this street home. Boué Soeurs was a fashion house active from the late 1890s to the early 1950s. Duvelleroy a fan-maker house was established at 15 Rue de la Paix in 1827 by Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy. Louis Aucoc’s family firm was at 6 Rue de la Paix in 1821. Maison Maquet a luxury stationery and leather goods manufacturer was located at no. 20 from 1841 to 1846, then at no. 24 from 1847 to 1867, and finally at no. 10 from 1868. Offenthal a luxury leather-goods maker was established at 24 rue de la Paix in 1935.
Street numbers changed in 1847. This was due to redevelopment. Maison Maguet didn’t move physically. Their street number just changed. Athanase Bourdin’s shop was at no. 24 later 28. No. 28 was demolished in 1868 for the Opera House. Louis Aucoc was at Rue de la Paix 4. It only became no. 6 after 1847.
Rue de la Paix appears in popular culture. It is the most expensive property in the French version of Monopoly. French singer Zazie references it in her song of the same name. Rhett Butler mentions it in Gone with the Wind. He bought a green bonnet from there for Scarlett O’Hara. It’s also mentioned in the Noël Coward song “Parisian Pierrot” and the Leonard Gershe Rodger Edens song “Bonjour Paris”.
Rue de la Paix blends luxury history and culture. It is more than just a shopping street. It is a landmark with stories etched into its buildings. As you walk along Rue de la Paix imagine the people who walked here before you. Reflect on the events both grand and tragic that shaped this iconic Parisian street.