Private car service from Roissy Charles de Gaulle to rue de la Cité in Paris

Exploring the History of Rue de la Cité in Paris

The Rue de la Cité, situated in the vibrant Fourth district of Paris, stands as the main artery of the Ile de la Cité. This significant boulevard begins at the Pont Notre-Dame and ends at the Petit-Pont, elegantly flanked by the Flower Market and the renowned Prefecture of Police. On its opposite side, one finds the historical Hotel-Dieu and the esteemed square of Notre Dame. The present street embodies the fusion of three former lanes: the street lantern, Jewry Street, and Market-Palu. On 13 May 1834, the Minister of the Interior, addressing the appeals of the local inhabitants, integrated these three paths under a single moniker – rue de la Cité. Notably, Jewry Street hints at the erstwhile Jewish community that thrived here during the twelfth century, which later gave way to Rue de la Lanterne. Amidst a backdrop of periodic anti-Jewish sentiments, Jewish denizens faced regular adversities. In Paris, the affluent Jewish residents constituted a tight-knit community on Jewry Street. A pivotal landmark from 1183 stands at the intersection of Jewry Street and rue de la Licorne: the church of La Madeleine. This sacred edifice was the epicenter for « the expansive brotherhood of lords, priests, and bourgeois of Paris, a fraternity so ancient its inception remains shrouded in mystery. » Every reigning monarch of that epoch was a part of this influential group. The Market Street-Palu derives its name from a bygone marketplace. It’s also worth noting that François, a baker who met his untimely death in 1789 amidst a civil uprising, once lived here. His tragic demise led to the subsequent imposition of martial law.