“Traverse the wolves” might sound like a perilous journey. But Rue des Travers Loups offers a more subtle kind of intrigue. This Parisian street whispers tales of a city steeped in history.
The historical facts about Paris are endless. The city overflows with history. From grand landmarks to tiny details everything has a backstory. First established as a fishing village named Lutetia this 2000-year-old city blossomed. It became one of the most beautiful cities retaining strong links to its own history.
Paris has twenty arrondissements. They start at the heart of the city. They continue in numerical order in a spiral fashion like an escargot. The two river islands Île-Saint-Louis and Île-de-la-Cité are the oldest areas of Paris. The Marais was once a swamp. It was drained and developed in the Middle Ages. The Metro opened in Paris in 1900. Each Metro stop has a historical theme. The names and styles sometimes clue you into the area’s past.
Construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral started in 1163. It took almost two centuries to build. It was consecrated in 1345. Everyone helped construct the cathedral. Some donated money. Others donated time and labor. It was a communal effort. The cathedral has one of the oldest organs dating back to 1330. This complements its massive church bells.
More than 100 artists submitted plans for a monument to mark the entrance to the 1889 Worlds’ Fair. That’s how the Eiffel Tower came to be. Construction on the Eiffel Tower started in 1887. It took two years to complete. The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be temporary. City officials planned to tear it down in 1909. Hitler also ordered its destruction. But the order was never carried out.
Napoleon wanted a grand triumphal arch. This would celebrate his troops the Grand Armée. But construction was held up. The Arc de Triomphe wasn’t finished until 1836. Napoleon died in 1821. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I rests beneath the arc. The walls of the Arc list the names of 558 French generals. They also list the major battles of the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, Rue des Travers Loups is part of that story. It is part of the ongoing narrative of Paris. Walking here connects you to centuries past. It connects you to the city’s evolution. So take a moment to appreciate the echoes of history around you. Think about the countless feet that have trod this path before. This is a reminder that every street in Paris has a tale to tell.