Doesn’t the name Rue du Printemps evoke images of blooming flowers? It is located in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. This street is more than just a path. It is a testament to Parisian innovation and style.
Rue du Printemps stretches about 160 meters. It sits comfortably between the Batignolles and Plaine Monceau districts. The street begins at 98 rue de Tocqueville. It ends at 27 boulevard Pereire. You can easily reach it via metro lines 3 and 14. Wagram, Malesherbes and Pont Cardinet stations are nearby. The Pont Cardinet train station is also close.
The story of Rue du Printemps is intertwined with the famous Printemps department stores. In 1886 the street was officially named. The founders of the Printemps department store created it. They acquired land from the Pereire brothers. This land was near the Pont Cardinet station. They intended to build warehouses and residential buildings there. Despite the noise from the nearby train station, people began to settle in the area.
Rue du Printemps boasts beautiful post-Haussmann buildings. Elegant private mansions line the street. One notable resident was Roger Martin du Gard. He moved to number 1 Rue du Printemps with his new wife in 1906.
In the past near Rue du Printemps at 27 rue Saint Ferdinand stood the Valtat warehouse. It stored wood and coal. Before gas and electricity, these materials heated Parisian homes. In 1955 the warehouse was replaced. Architect Rémy Le Caisne designed a large 11-story building. It featured 145 apartments around a courtyard.
The Printemps department store is more than just a shopping destination. Jules Jaluzot and his wife created the Grands Magasins du Printemps in 1865. They wanted to create a temple of fashion. The store introduced innovations like hydraulic lifts and electric lighting. Its architecture featured glass and iron. The Printemps has survived wars and fires. It continues to be a symbol of Parisian innovation.
Visiting the Printemps department store offers a unique experience. You can explore the architecture, history, and operations. The zinc rooftop provides stunning views of Paris. The underground galleries reveal workshops. You can see the floating stairs and the glass dome’s hidden side. The Printemps is a luxury temple. It blends the Second Empire with the 21st century.
Rue du Printemps is a charming street with a rich history. It connects to the story of the Printemps department stores. It reflects the spirit of Parisian innovation. Take a stroll down Rue du Printemps. Imagine the bustling life of the late 19th century. Appreciate the architectural details. This street is a hidden gem in the City of Lights.