Read the Signs: Rue des Dames in Paris

The convivial Parisian street with many stories to tell

Word has it, it’s the place to be when the clock strikes aperitif o’clock. Rue des Dames, in the Batignolles district, stretches from Avenue de Clichy to Rue de Lévis, and was so-named because it led to the Abbaye des Dames de Montmartre, the name appearing on records as far back as the 17th century.

Among its claims to fame, Rue des Dames used to be home to Studio des Dames, where until the late 80s musical stars such as Dalida, Johnny Hallyday and Renaud recorded their hits. It also holds the more sobering distinction of being one of the streets bombed by Zeppelins during the First World War. As recorded by Gérard Hartmann in Terreur sur La Ville, on a clear night in March 1915, railway employees in the north of France gave the alert that four Zeppelins were heading for Paris at great speed. Repelled by artillery, they veered off course northwest of the centre, dropping their bombs, one of which exploded at 7 rue des Dames.

 

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On a more felicitous note, today Rue des Dames is dotted with choice spots to spend time enjoying a glass or two accompanied by a platter of excellent charcuterie at very reasonable prices. Less touristy than neighbouring Montmartre, the zinc-topped counters are frequented by students, office types and visitors alike. One for your little black book.

From France Today magazine

Read other installments in our “Read the Signs” series:
Read the Signs: Rue Vaugirard in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue du Croissant in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue Cler
Read the Signs: Allée Sonia Rykiel in Paris
Read the Signs: Rue Crémieux in Paris
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

 

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