Dream of a hidden world. We are standing at the entrance to the Sentier des Merisiers. This narrow path resides in Paris’s 12th arrondissement.
The Sentier des Merisiers whispers stories of a bygone era. It is one of the narrowest streets in Paris. Its width averages about one meter. Can you imagine that?
This 100-meter-long path connects the 101 Boulevard Soult to the 3 Rue du Niger. The Sentier des Merisiers begins on the Boulevard Soult sidewalk. It angles northwest between buildings. After a bend, it turns north. Finally, it ends at Rue du Niger near Villa du Bel-Air.
Its defining characteristic is its width. At its narrowest, it is only 87 centimeters wide. Some say it is the narrowest street in Paris. But the Passage de la Duée was even narrower at 80 cm. However, it was widened during renovations. The city claims Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche is the narrowest at 1.80 meters. Yet, official records show many streets are narrower than the Sentier des Merisiers.
The Sentier des Merisiers provides access to gardens. Houses and buildings line the path. One notable structure is a half-timbered house. This architectural style is rare in Paris.
You can reach the Sentier des Merisiers by tram line 3a. Get off at the Alexandra David-Néel station.
The name “Sentier des Merisiers” has two possible origins. It may come from the cherry trees that once lined it. Alternatively, it could derive from a place called “les Mézières” on 1850s maps.
The Sentier des Merisiers was created around 1857. It was part of Saint-Mandé. Specifically, it was near bastion number 8 of the Thiers wall. Later, it was integrated into the Parisian road system.
Once, the Sentier des Merisiers was poorly lit. People avoided it due to its intimidating atmosphere. In the 1980s, better lighting was installed. This made the path safer.
The Sentier des Merisiers has appeared in literature. Denis Tillinac described his feelings while walking here in his book Boulevards des Maréchaux. Patrick Modiano mentioned it briefly in his novel Dora Bruder. It often appears in books about charming Parisian walks.
As we leave the Sentier des Merisiers. Remember this quiet path. It is a unique piece of Parisian history. A narrow slice of life.