Read the Signs: Rue Crémieux in Paris

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Read the Signs: Rue Crémieux in Paris

Possibly one of the most Instagrammed spots in Paris, the colourful Rue Crémieux, with its rainbow of pastel-hued townhouses is the French capital’s answer to Notting Hill. This charming little street in the 12th arrondissement, near the Gare de Lyon, has no shops or salient landmarks, just private homes. So how did this tiny rue become so iconic – and get its distinctive look?

Well, it seems its residents simply got together and decided to paint their homes in every shade of l’arc-en-ciel. As for the street’s moniker, as you’ve already gathered it has nothing to do with colour, rainbows or the like. It was named after the lawyer, journalist and writer Gaston Crémieux in 1897. A champion for the poor and disadvantaged, he led the Marseille Commune riots, mirroring the uprising in Paris of the same name.

Crémieux was sentenced to death, but his legacy lived on and his courage celebrated in literature by Victor Hugo and Jean Jaurès. Before becoming Rue Crémieux, the street was called Avenue Millaud, after the founder of Le Petit Journal, at one time the leading newspaper in France. So next time you are strolling through the 12th, by all means stop to capture this picture-perfect street. Just remember this is not a tourist attraction – people live here.

Read other installments in our “Read the Signs” series:
Read the Signs: Place de l’Europe- Simone Veil in Paris

Read the Signs: Boulevard Haussmann in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue du Chat qui Pêche in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue des Mauvais Garçons in Paris
Read the Signs: Avenue de Champagne
Read the Signs: Rue du Temple in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue Guy-Môquet in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in Paris
Read the Signs: Boulevard Diderot in Paris

From France Today magazine

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Sylvia Edwards Davis is a writer and correspondent based in France with a focus on business and culture. A member of the France Media editorial team, Sylvia scans the cultural landscape to bring you the most relevant highlights on current events, art exhibitions, museums and festivals.

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  • Carole Lloyd
    2018-08-31 19:45:33
    Carole Lloyd
    Discovered Rue Cremieux three years ago whilst staying near Gare de Lyon. One of the prettiest streets of Paris.

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