“Ever heard of a street that was once named after cow horns?” I ask. You are standing on Rue Oudry. This street is a hidden gem in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. Rue Oudry may seem like any other Parisian street. But it has a story etched into its very cobblestones.
Let’s delve into the past of Rue Oudry. It stretches a mere 100 meters. But its history runs deep. In the 17th century, this street was just a path. By 1789, it was known as Rue de la Voie-Creuse. Later, it became Rue des Cornes. This translates to “Street of Horns”. Some say the name came from fences made of ox horns. Others believe it was from a depot of ox horns. These horns came from the tanneries that once thrived here.
Imagine the sights and smells of old Rue Oudry. Tanneries lined the street. The air was thick with the scent of leather and the sounds of craftsmen. It must not have been a lovely smell. The residents grew tired of jokes about the name. In 1879, they requested a change.
The street was then named after Jean-Baptiste Oudry. He was an 18th-century animal painter. He also directed the Gobelins Tapestry factory. This factory was renowned for its exquisite tapestries.
Rue Oudry has witnessed historical moments. Leon Trotsky lived at number 27 in 1916. From this address, he was expelled to Spain. A nearby bar on Boulevard St. Marcel kept watch on his movements.
The street’s layout has also changed. It once began at Rue du Banquier. In 1966, part of it was removed. This made way for the construction of the École Nationale de Chimie Physique et Biologie de Paris.
Today, Rue Oudry is accessible via the Les Gobelins metro station. It offers a quiet escape from the city bustle. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. From tanneries and cow horns to revolutionaries and artists, Rue Oudry whispers tales of Paris. It is a great little slice of Parisian history.