Last Updated on 16th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
On one end of the cobbled lane you’ll find the iconic and ever so Instagram-famous ‘La Maison Rose,’ while on the other end you’ll soon find yourself at Place Dalida, named for the famous late singer-songrwriter whose final resting place is in Montmartre Cemetery. Welcome to rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of the oldest and most historic streets in Paris…
With trailing vines and the type of architecture that you can only find in this neighbourhood, be sure to add Rue de L’Abreuvoirto your Parisian bucket list next time you’re in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
After all, a stroll along the Parisian street can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Montmartre vineyard, the Musée de Montmartre– purchase your Musée de Montmartre ticket here, and even the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
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A history of rue de l’Abreuvoir
Situated in the very heart of the 18e arrondissement, as well as winning the title of ‘prettiest road in Paris’, Rue de L’Aubreuvoir may well win the title of one of the oldest. The road was first mentioned as early as 1325 when it was known as ‘ruelle qui va au but’ (road which goes to the end).
During the 19th-century, the road was renamed for the ancient ‘abreuvoir’ (or ‘watering trough’ in English), though this has long since been removed. Today, the street is lined with houses which predominantly date back to the 1930s. Nearby, more architecture from the 1930s can be seen along Villa Leandré.
Highlights of rue de l’Abreuvoir
Due to its historic nature and position in the very heart of the ‘village’ area of Montmartre, there’s no shortage of things to see along rue de l’Abreuvoir, with some being much more famous than others. Whatever you do, be sure to bring your camera along!
Statue of Dalida
Standing in pride of place in the heart of Place Dalida, there’s a statue dedicated to the acclaimed singer. Local legend has it that if you touch the statue’s bust, you’ll be rewarded with good luck. Just behind the statue, there’s a little bench that’s perfect for sitting and watching the world go by.
La Maison Rose
Head to the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules and there it is… A restaurant once frequented by Picasso himself.
There has been a coffee shop at La Petite Maison Rose for well over a hundred years, and this small bar on the side of Montmartre was once a boarding house where writers would come to enjoy their lunchtime meals for a modest price.
Picasso himself frequented the venue on more than one occasion. After all, he was friends with the founders… Albert Camus, Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo also all frequented the restaurant at some point or another. Today, you can sit on the little green chairs outside and enjoy a French-inspired menu (as well as wine if you like)!
How to visit rue de l’Abreuvoir
If you’re looking to visit rue de l’Abreuvoir for yourself, then you should know that it’s one of the most popular spots in Montmartre, i.e. the 18th arrondissement of Paris. As such, if you want to get the best photos (for example, those with the fewest people in them), then you’ll want to head there earlier in the day as opposed to later.
Though it’s beautiful to visit all year ’round, I particularly recommend heading to Montmartre in the fall when the leaves are golden browns and vibrant reds. Visit during the autumn and you’ll soon find that the area is much less packed than during the summer months.
Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She currently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.