Rue Saint-Benoît

“A painter, a politician, and a renowned writer all lived here,” you might say, looking down the Rue Saint-Benoît. Few streets in Paris can boast such a literary legacy. Rue Saint-Benoît is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Près district of Paris. The street, part of the oldest parts of Paris, was once a moat near the abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Près, and many famous figures have spent their lives on its cobblestone path. In the 19th century, the street was a favorite residence of those seeking a life of art and revolution. Jacques Prévert, a major figure in 20th-century French cinema, lived here. He wrote some of the most important scripts in French cinema history.
The street was also home to Marguerite Duras, a novelist and screenwriter whose works still resonate today. She lived at No. 5 for almost 50 years. Her apartment became a hub for the Parisian intelligentsia. While the street was always a hub of cultural activity, the 1900s saw many of Paris’ most important artistic figures walk its sidewalks. At No. 11, a cafe called Le Petit Zinc has hosted artists and writers for over half a century. The art nouveau design is almost as well-known as the food and drinks. Even today, you can see the many artists and writers who make their home here, finding creative inspiration in the heritage of the street. As you walk down Rue Saint-Benoît, imagine the history being made all around you. You are walking in the footsteps of giants.