A communal bread oven? It may sound humble. But it gave the Voie du Four its name. We are standing on a historic path. It whispers tales of Parisian life.
The Voie du Four is in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. This area has a rich history. The street’s story begins in the 13th century. Back then, it was known as “vicus Furni.” This Latin term simply means “street of the oven.” The name reflects the communal oven’s importance. This oven belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Imagine medieval Parisians. They bring their dough to this very spot. They bake their daily bread in the abbey’s oven. This wasn’t just a convenience. It was mandatory. King Louis XI decreed it in 1470. All residents had to use this oven. Those who didn’t faced a fine.
The Voie du Four has had many names. In the 13th century, it was also called Rue de la Granche Jehan le Bouvier. By the 14th century, it became Grand rue Saint-Germain. It was also known as Chaussée du Roi. The 15th century brought more changes. It was called Grand rue du Four. Then, it was corrupted to Rue du Bourg. Other names included Rue de la Maladrerie and Chemin de Vaugirard. Before settling on its current name, it was Rue du Four Saint-Germain.
In 1636, a manuscript described the street. It called it “salle, boueuse et remplie d’immundices.” This translates to dirty muddy and full of filth. The report noted piles of manure and mud blocking the streams’ flow.
The street was once considered for a name change. In 1875, there was a proposal to rename it Rue Didot. This was in honor of the Didot family. They were typographers in the Faubourg Saint-Germain since the early 18th century. However, some city council members opposed it. The name Rue Didot was instead given to a street in the 14th arrondissement.
The Voie du Four once ended at Place Sainte-Marguerite. This square was later named Place Gozlin in 1864. In 1877, the Boulevard Saint-Germain absorbed it.
The street’s history isn’t limited to baking and names. It also played a role in political movements. In 1848, François-Vincent Raspail published his newspaper here. It was called L’Ami du Peuple or The People’s Friend. Number 40 was the location.
In 1883, Louise Michel led an unemployed march. It ended here with the theft of bread from three bakeries. Michel was sentenced to six years in jail.
During World War II, the Voie du Four was a site of resistance. On May 27 1943, the National Council of the Resistance met secretly at No. 48. This apartment belonged to René Corbin. Key figures like Jean Moulin attended.
Today, the Voie du Four is more than just a street. It is a living testament to Parisian history. From its humble beginnings as a path to a communal oven. To its role in significant historical events. It connects us to the past. As you walk along the Voie du Four remember the stories. Remember the people who shaped this iconic Parisian street.