Hidden in the 15th arrondissement, Rue du Cotentin whispers tales of Normandy. The street isn’t named after a person, but after the Cotentin Peninsula. This Norman connection comes from its proximity to the Montparnasse train station. Rue du Cotentin served as a pathway to this station, a gateway to Normandy. Imagine Parisian travelers in the late 19th century, bustling down this very street. They carried their luggage, eager to board trains heading towards the northwestern coast. The street’s name, a constant reminder of their destination. Rue du Cotentin itself is quite modest, only 373 meters long and 10 meters wide. It’s nestled in the Necker quarter of the 15th arrondissement. This unassuming street holds a rich history, dating back to the 17th century. Originally a rural path known as “Chemin de la Gaité” (Path of Gaiety), it was incorporated into Paris in 1863. Just a few years later, it received its current name, Rue du Cotentin. The writer Claire Sainte-Soline once called number 34 her home. More recently, the painter Stéphane Montefiore lived at number 37. Even in literature, Rue du Cotentin finds its place. Author Joris-Karl Huysmans described it in his novel “Les Sœurs Vatard.” So, as you stand on Rue du Cotentin, remember its quiet connection to the Normandy coast. It’s a testament to the way even small streets can hold surprising stories.
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