“Lost in the heart of Paris’s 2nd arrondissement lies a district with a thousand stories to tell. This is the Sentier. The Sentier is more than just a place. It is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of textile history and modern innovation.
Once upon a time the lands of Sentier were considered too dangerous. People avoided living or even passing through. But times change. The Sentier evolved into a thriving hub. It became known for its textile trade and diverse commercial activities.
Imagine walking through the Sentier’s charming covered passages. These passages transport you back to old Paris. Picture historic alleys buzzing with a unique popular atmosphere. The Sentier offers surprising changes in atmosphere. Just crossing a few sidewalks can immerse you into a new world.
Around Place des Victoires and nearby streets, a certain atmosphere prevails. Near Saint Eustache Church, you will find “bobos” enjoying sunny terraces. Rue Saint Denis and its surroundings are much noisier. They are more popular. This vibrant area is crossed by Rue d’Aboukir. It also includes Rue du Caire and Place du Caire. The street names remind us of Napoleon Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt in 1798.
Traditionally, the Sentier district has been the preferred place for multi-ethnic textiles. It hosts wholesale and retail trade. The district has greatly diversified in recent years. It is now nicknamed “Silicon Sentier”. Numerous Internet start-ups have set up shop here. Even powerful companies like Adopteunmec.com call the Sentier home.
If you arrive at the Strasbourg Saint Denis metro exit, a journey through history awaits. Walk down Rue Saint-Denis, then turn right onto Rue d’Aboukir. You will enter the Sentier district. On the left side of the sidewalk, the charming Place du Caire was once a “cour des miracles”. It was a kingdom of beggars and vagabonds. They pretended to be disabled to get coins from passersby.
A little further away, at number 20 Rue Etienne Marcel, lies a vestige of medieval Paris. This is the Tower of Jean Sans Peur. This ancient fortification tower was built in the 15th century. It was commissioned by Duke Jean I of Burgundy. He was also known as Jean Sans Peur. Jean Sans Peur had his cousin assassinated in 1407. He built this fortified tower to protect himself. It stands 21 meters high. You can visit a small exhibition here. Learn about life and French society in the 15th century. Discover the oldest latrines in Paris.
A little further on is the elegant Place des Victoires. It is dedicated to Louis XIV’s military victories. It is one of the four royal squares in Paris. The arcades of the square house luxury boutiques. Their window displays attract tourists and wealthy Parisians. A bit further to the north, Place des Petits Pères hides the Roman basilica of Notre Dame des Victoires. The Galerie Vivienne is one of the most delightful passages in Paris. It is not to be missed.
The Sentier is not just about history. By the 19th century, Sentier was the center of the textile industry in France. Honoré de Balzac refers to it several times in his novels.
In recent times, the Sentier has experienced a digital renaissance. High-speed fiber optic networks were deployed. Data centers opened. During the Dot Com Boom, approximately fifty startups settled in the Sentier area. The area was attractive because of its proximity to fiber optic routes. There were also many empty spaces left over when garment factories moved out.
The Sentier continues to evolve. It embraces its past while forging a new identity in the digital age. As we conclude our visit to the Sentier, remember that you have walked through a place of transformation. A place of resilience. A place where the echoes of history resonate with the pulse of innovation.”