Nestled in the heart of Paris, Rue Cremieux stands as a hidden gem, enchanting visitors with its vibrant palette and charming ambiance. This picturesque street, adorned with pastel-hued facades and blooming flowers, offers a delightful escape from the bustling city life.
Note: This article contains affiliate links. In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!
The colorful houses on Rue Cremieux
Located in the 12th arrondissement of the French capital, Rue Cremieux is a colourful street with colourful houses that stand out from the rest of the neighbourhood. The cobbled street near the Gare de Lyon has been a pedestrian street since 1993.
As sunlight dances upon the cobblestone pavement, casting playful shadows along the quaint storefronts, Rue Cremieux becomes a canvas alive with energy and warmth. Visitors can't help but be drawn to the inviting cafes and boutiques that line the street, offering a tantalizing glimpse into Parisian culture and lifestyle.
Whether you're an avid photographer seeking the perfect shot or simply craving a leisurely stroll amidst beauty and tranquility, Rue Cremieux promises an unforgettable experience. So take a moment to immerse yourself in this enchanting oasis, where every step unveils a new burst of color and joy. Rue Cremieux: a testament to the timeless allure of Parisian charm.
Brief History of colorful streets
Before it became a colorful street, the area was home to the Arènes Nationales (National Arena of Paris), later known as the Imperial Arena of Paris. This grand arena, constructed in 1851 with its entrance at Bastille, served as a popular entertainment venue for outdoor spectacles and various events. From the mid-1850s until its sale to housing developers in 1855, the arena hosted numerous carnivals and performances that captivated the public.
In 1865, Rue Cremieux underwent a transformation into a residential street and was initially named Avenue Millaud, after the real estate promoter Moïse Polydore Millaud. Millaud was also the founder of Le Petit Journal, a successful newspaper that served as a precursor to today's popular press. He played a significant role in developing the area and its surrounding housing estates.
However, the street's name was changed to Rue Cremieux in 1897 in honor of Adolphe Crémieux, a prominent lawyer and politician. Crémieux, born into a wealthy Jewish family in Nîmes, dedicated himself to defending the human rights of Jews in France.
In 1993, the street was pedestrianized, further adding to its charming and beloved character, which continues to attract many visitors today.
8 Rue Cremieux and the Great Flood
During the Great flood of Paris in 1910, the Seine River surged to a height of 1.75 meters at Rue Cremieux. House No. 8 bears a plaque commemorating this momentous event.
This inundation marked a historic milestone as the Seine reached a record flood height, exceeding its typical level by eight meters. Consequently, Paris found itself submerged for a staggering two months. The deluge wreaked havoc on the lives of over 200,000 Parisians and brought the city to a standstill for weeks.
In modern times, tourists can gain insight into this event and experience the beauty of the Seine through activities like sightseeing cruises offered by companies like Bateaux-Mouches. Booking such a cruise, perhaps through platforms like Klook, allows visitors to glide past Paris' iconic landmarks while listening to informative commentary via audio guides.
Depending on the package selected, guests may even have the opportunity to savor a half-bottle of champagne, making it an essential excursion for any adventurer exploring the City of Lights.
When Rue Cremieux transformed into Paris's most colorful street
Back in 1993, the residents on Rue Cremieux banded together to petition for a complete paving and pedestrianization of their street. The town hall agreed to these improvements, but with a condition: the homeowners were tasked with revamping the fronts of their houses.
Pooling their efforts, each homeowner chose a distinct color for their facade. This collaborative effort resulted in the vibrant pastel rainbow that adorns the street today, earning it the endearing title of "Paris's most colorful street."
Despite the diverse hues, the homes share a common architectural design, contributing to the cohesive ambiance of the neighborhood. Interestingly, these houses were originally constructed for affluent laborers.
Strolling Through Rue Cremieux: A Chromatic Journey
Strolling down Rue Cremieux, one is greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors at every turn. From soft shades of lavender to cheerful tones of lemon yellow, each building exudes its own unique charm, creating a whimsical atmosphere that captivates the senses.
Rue Cremieux offers a refreshing departure from the hustle and bustle of urban life. This quaint, cobblestoned thoroughfare spans a mere 144 meters (472 feet) in length and stretches 7.50 meters wide.
Lined with a spectrum of vividly hued private residences, Rue Cremieux exudes an ambiance reminiscent of a tranquil provincial enclave or perhaps a charming French coastal retreat. Embark on a brief yet enchanting promenade along this picturesque pathway, a delightful recommendation for those exploring the vicinity.
In stark contrast to the typical thoroughfares of Paris, Rue Cremieux unfolds as a tranquil enclave untouched by the rumble of vehicular traffic. Its kaleidoscope of pastel-colored dwellings, ranging from hues of rosy pink to serene shades of blue, sunny yellow, lush green, and regal purple, earns it the accolade of Paris's most aesthetically pleasing street—a veritable portal to an alternate reality.
Meander along this whimsical cobblestone avenue, where the architectural landscape diverges from the grandeur of Haussmannian design to present 35 charming abodes, each mirroring the quaint allure of English terraced cottages. The ambiance may evoke visions of London's vibrant Notting Hill or the kaleidoscopic lanes of Burano, Venice - a visual feast for the senses.
Adorned with captivating murals and verdant window boxes overflowing with blossoms, Rue Cremieux exudes a provincial charm amidst the urban sprawl. So, if you seek respite amidst the city's clamor, indulge in a leisurely stroll along Rue Cremieux, where Paris's essence intertwines with a world of captivating serenity.
The reaction of the locals
The residents of the street have started a special Instagram account to show what goes on under their windows and where they post the absurd things tourists do on their streets every day. Rue Crémieux is a real quiet little cobbled Parisian pedestrian street. It used to be. In fact, a lot of tourists have been exploring the street recently to take some cool Instagram shots.
One resident told France Info radio that it's common for them to sit down to eat and a bunch of tourists show up to take photos, but it's also common for a rapper to shoot a video clip for two hours under the window. Not to mention bachelor parties with hours of screaming.
People living on the street are fed up with the constant crowds, so they have called on the city council to solve the problem: specifically, they want a gate to restrict access to the street, which could be closed at peak times - evenings and weekends.
Acceptable behavior when visiting Rue Cremieux
So, the allure of Rue Cremieux has unfortunately led to its own downfall, as musicians shoot music videos and social media influencers intrude upon its charm, disrupting the peace by loitering near doorsteps and amidst the quaint flora for the perfect shot.
It's imperative, whenever venturing into unfamiliar territory, to exhibit reverence, whether towards the architecture, wildlife, residents, or greenery.
Practicing conscientious tourism preserves the integrity of any locale for future visitors. Therefore, should you feel compelled to explore this colorful street firsthand, We implore you to treat it with the same care as you would your own neighborhood street. A recent article from the French publication Le Parisien sheds light on the growing popularity of Rue Cremieux and the measures being taken by residents and local authorities to manage its newfound fame.
Photography on the street
On Rue Cremieux, certain homes have displayed signage discouraging photography. Please be considerate and minimize noise disturbance while strolling along this residential thoroughfare, as it is inhabited by local residents. With a bit of luck and a quiet demeanor, you might even catch a glimpse of a neighborhood cat or two!
Site location: 75012 Paris
GPS coordinates: 48.847029, 2.371105
Google Photos: Click here
For more content and exciting articles, follow our site, where we regularly update our column to bring you the best ideas for events or attractions in Paris!
