Rue Saint-Denis

You are now standing on Rue Saint-Denis, one of the oldest streets in Paris. Beneath your feet are cobblestones that have been here since the fourteenth century—this was the first paved street in the city and, at one time, the longest, richest, and most beautiful of them all. Kings once paraded here after their coronation, and grand royal funerals passed along this route.

In earlier times, Rue Saint-Denis was a vibrant trading route between England and Spain. People from across Europe came here to trade, and the shops were famous far beyond Paris. Because of its wealth and reputation, Rue Saint-Denis became a place of great economic and political influence. Here, Napoleon’s defeat was commemorated, and on June 30, 1878, the first national holiday was celebrated.

Today, you’ll find travelers, locals, students, night owls, and shoppers all meeting here. It’s a place where the cosmopolitan character of Paris comes together, and where, among centuries-old facades and a lively atmosphere, you sense that every adventure in this city could begin right here.