RUE CRÉMIEUX - The Most Beautiful Street in Paris?

Coloured terrace houses lining a pretty European street…

Hearing this, you wouldn’t be at fault if Notting Hill was the first thing that popped into your mind. Although the bold houses that reside within and around Portobello Market in London are indeed wonderful, there often isn’t much discussion around the Parisian equivalent: Rue Crémieux.

Now, while Rue Crémieux isn’t as large as Notting Hill, each house on this little side street is worth seeing. Beautiful shades of pastels and other candy-colours fill your eyes the moment you pop onto this street moments away from Gare de Lyon in the 12ème arrondissement.

Note: This is a residential street, so don’t loiter or plan an entire photoshoot in front of their houses! Be mindful, and be respectful as people do live here. If you do want to take photos, try to limit it to off-peak times, such as during 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on a weekday, and only take quick shots. (If you are unsure, you can also ask one of the residents if you can take photos in front of their home!)

Although I adore the generally uniform colour scheme in Paris (who knew so many shades of beige and black would look so chic together?), it is nice to have a little colourful oasis in the middle of the city.

A feast for the eyes, my friend and I also enjoyed a feast for our bellies along this street, so enjoy this gratuitous photo of our food (delicious L’Ile Flotante from Senoble).The raspberry one was delicious, but I personally prefered the caramel-and-vanilla (my two favourite flavours)!

Hers didn’t quite fare as well as mine while being transported, oops!

There were a couple of stray cats as well all around, which added a nice little something to the area.

This is a pedestrianized street, so you can spend a moment gazing up as no cars or motorcycles will zip past you unaware.

Now for a little history of the street:

It first opened under the name Millaud Avenue in 1865.

Later on, the street renamed itself after Adolphe Crémieux, a french lawyer, politician, and member of the National Defense government. The Nîmes-born man is most well known for a decree he made in 1870 that gave French nationality to Algerian Jews living in France. He was also a large supporter of the Alliance Israélite Universelle. There’s so much more than meets the aesthetic-eye on this street!

Anyways, that’s all for my spotlight on Rue Crémieux. I hope you swing by if you ever find yourself near Gare de Lyon, as it’s a beautfiul treat for the eyes.