Glancing down this charming Parisian street, have you ever noticed the quiet stories etched into the very stones of Rue Saint-Sulpice? This street in the 6th arrondissement quietly narrates tales of transformation. It whispers stories from centuries past.
Rue Saint-Sulpice got its current name in 1851. This happened when the Rue du Petit-Bourbon and the Rue du Petit-Lion merged. Before that, the street had many names. Each name reflected different periods and purposes.
The story of Rue Saint-Sulpice stretches back to 1500. Back then, it was known as the ruelle descendant à la rue neuve de la Foire. This translates to the lane going down to the new street of the Fair. This name came from its proximity to the Saint-Germain market.
By the 17th century, one section became the Rue du Petit-Lion. It was named after a shop sign. To avoid confusion with another street, it was called Rue du Petit-Lion-Saint-Sulpice.
Another section of the Rue Saint-Sulpice was known as Rue du Petit-Bourbon. This linked the street to the Église Saint-Sulpice in the 16th century. The Rue du Petit-Bourbon itself was formed by merging two streets in 1816. Those streets were Rue du Petit-Bourbon and Rue des Aveugles.
The street called Rue des Aveugles held a poignant history. It ran along the north side of the church. There once stood the Cimetière des Aveugles there. That means Cemetery of the Blind. This small cemetery served one of Paris’s most populous parishes. It opened in 1664 and closed in 1784.
Intriguingly, Rue Saint-Sulpice has a history with a different kind of establishment. At number 15, there once stood a discreet maison close. This establishment was named Alys. Further down the street at number 36 was another house named Chez Miss Beety.
Today, Rue Saint-Sulpice presents a different face. It is lined with boutiques and cafes. Yet, hints of its past remain. Look closely, and you might spot a golden number on a building. It is a subtle reminder of a bygone era.
As you stroll along Rue Saint-Sulpice, remember its layers of history. From its humble beginnings as a market lane to its current status. It has evolved through many names and purposes. Take a moment to appreciate the stories. They are quietly embedded in the buildings that line Rue Saint-Sulpice.