Almost a kilometer long Rue Traversière snakes through Paris’s 12th arrondissement. It begins near the Quai de la Rapée ending where Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine meets Avenue Ledru-Rollin. Imagine its history stretching back to the 17th century. Then it was known as Rue des Chantiers or Rue du Cler-Chantier.
Rue Traversière’s name has a fascinating origin. One story points to a gardener named Traversire or Traversier who owned land here in 1629. His name evolved into the street’s current name. Another claims its name simply reflects its path “traversing” from the Quai de la Rapée to Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine.
The street has witnessed significant events. The January 1910 Seine flood submerged it along with many streets near the Gare de Lyon. Today Rue Traversière offers a mix of architectural styles. Neo-Haussmannian buildings stand alongside Art Deco gems. One building at number 15 is a striking Art Deco structure from 1927. It sits above houses on Rue Crémieux. The Compagnie des chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée built it.
Number 15 bis houses the Théâtre Traversière. Further down at number 41 stands the École maternelle Traversière designed by Charles Adelgeist. Parisian arms are engraved on its facade. Even a secondary entrance to the Église Saint-Antoine-des-Quinze-Vingts is located on Rue Traversière at number 57.
The street’s character changes along its length. Some sections are pedestrian-only. Others are busy thoroughfares. A pedestrian bridge carries the Coulée verte René-Dumont a green space above the street. This section passes under the Viaduc des Arts. It once supported a steam railway line to Vincennes.
Number 55 marks the entrance to the Passage de la Trôle. The name recalls the “trôle” a direct sale of furniture practiced by workers from the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Finally number 76 is home to a Vélib’ station offering a convenient break. This long street displays a captivating blend of past and present. Its history is woven into the fabric of Parisian life. Rue Traversière offers a walk through time.