Private shuttle transport from Charles de Gaulle airport to Rue au Maire in Paris

History and visit the Rue au Maire in Paris

The Rue au Maire, situated in the heart of the historic 3rd district within the Marais district, serves as an emblematic representation of Paris’s deep-rooted history and cultural diversity. Spanning 252 meters in length and 10 meters in width, it was constructed as early as 1280. Conveniently, the street is also accessible through the Arts et Métiers metro station.

The origin of its intriguing name lies in the rural area of the priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, where the Mayor once resided. As a central vein of the town of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the street ran alongside the fortified priory. While it was christened rue de Rome in 1833, it later extended up to the rue des Vertus. Today, in conjunction with the Rue du Temple and the Rue des Gravilliers, Rue au Maire embodies an area of Paris that reflects its rich immigrant heritage, notably the Asian community.

Historically, immigrants from Wenzhou, originating from China’s Zhejiang province, marked their significant presence in Rue au Maire. These hardworking individuals established a variety of small businesses, capitalizing on the craft-oriented skills that many among them possessed. As a result, the street became a living testament to the indomitable spirit and cultural contribution of the Chinese community in Paris.

Fast-forward to the present day, and the Rue au Maire continues to celebrate its Asian heritage with aplomb. A myriad of Asian stores and boutiques bedeck its length. Strikingly, the signage of these Asian establishments evokes memories of famous Chinatowns, such as those in San Francisco and London. These vibrant shops, rich in culture and history, have now become integral to the street’s allure, drawing tourists from all corners of the globe.