Picture this You stand at the beginning of Rue des Saules in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This unassuming street holds a rich history. It winds its way down the slopes of Montmartre a charming climb connecting Clignancourt and Grandes-Carrières.
Rue des Saules meaning Willow Street was once lined with willow trees. This gave it its name. The street’s history dates back to before 1672. This is according to the Jouvin de Rochefort map. It was once known as Rue des Fontaines and Rue de la Saussaye. Then in 1867 it gained its current name.
The street is steeped in artistic history. Many painters frequented Rue des Saules in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their works capture the bohemian life of the area. You can almost see them here creating their masterpieces. The last water carriers of Montmartre worked here in 1900. Imagine the scene.
Rue des Saules played a role in World War II. During the bombing of the La Chapelle railway depot in 1944 the area suffered damage. One witness described the fires visible from the top of Rue du Mont-Cenis. The flames spread to Saint-Denis.
The street’s legacy of the past lives on in several places. At number 22 stands the Au Lapin Agile cabaret. This was a meeting place for artists like Picasso and Max Jacob. At number 53 the Funambule Montmartre theater continues its tradition of creative performance.
A somber chapter of Rue des Saules’ history involves Jewish immigrants. An “Israelite night asylum” was located at number 12. That’s now number 42. Tragically a round-up of Jewish children occurred at number 49 during World War II. A commemorative plaque remembers these events. This shows the street’s role in the city’s diverse history.
Rue des Saules is more than just a street. It is a living testament to Montmartre’s vibrant past. It holds stories of art tragedy and resilience. It is a pathway to understanding a unique part of Paris. It’s a place to explore and discover for yourself.