Rue du Canada

Navigating the vibrant tapestry of Paris, have you ever stumbled upon a street named after a faraway land? Rue du Canada, tucked away in the 18th arrondissement, whispers tales of a time when Canada was a French colony. This seemingly unassuming street, beginning at 84, rue Riquet and ending at 5, rue de la Guadeloupe, holds a unique piece of Parisian history. Rue du Canada wasn’t always a tribute to our northern neighbors. It started life as “Impasse Bizioux,” named after a local landowner. This narrow lane existed near the old cow market of La Chapelle. Imagine the hustle and bustle of this market, its roots stretching back to the 13th century. The market thrived along the Faubourg de Gloire, its activity spilling into the surrounding streets, giving the village a certain notoriety. This lively scene continued until 1860, when La Chapelle became part of Paris and the livestock market disappeared. Rue du Canada emerged from the market’s remnants, along with streets named after other far-off locales: Louisiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and l’Olive. Officially recognized as a Parisian street in 1877, Rue du Canada was initially just 60 meters long. It later grew by ten meters, further solidifying its presence in the city’s fabric. So, the next time you find yourself on Rue du Canada, remember its humble beginnings. It’s a quiet reminder of a bygone era, a connection to a distant land, and a testament to the ever-evolving story of Paris.