Wolves in Paris? Yes. Once upon a time. This is the story of Ruelle aux Loups.
Welcome to the Ruelle aux Loups. Its name evokes a time when wolves roamed closer to the city. These were not the city wolves we know but actual wolves.
Let’s journey back to the 13th century. Imagine winters so harsh that wolves ventured into the city. They were desperately seeking food near Châtelet. It’s quite a contrast to the Paris we know today.
The Ruelle aux Loups was once a simple path. This path connected the Chemin des Marais to the Rue de la Lancette.
By 1730, it appeared on the Roussel plan. It was depicted as a winding path. The path was known as Ruelle de la Brèche-aux-Loups.
In 1845, the path transformed. It became an official street. That is when it adopted the name Rue de la Brèche-aux-Loups. It then became part of Paris’s road system.
Today, the street is home to the Collège Jules Verne. At number 20, you can see a remarkable mural. Claude Vidal created this mural in September 2023.
The artist describes the mural as an organic city. It is chaotic and organized. It allows for multiple viewpoints. Animals live in this floating city. They can see beyond what we perceive.
The Ruelle aux Loups reminds us of Paris’s past. It reminds us of a time when nature was closer. Even wolves dared to roam its streets.