Rue de la Gaîté, a vibrant hub of entertainment
Rue de la Gaîté, aptly named “Good Humor Street,” has been a focal point of entertainment since the late 18th century.
Stretching 300m parallel to Montparnasse Cemetery, this lively thoroughfare is adorned with theatres and restaurants, offering a plethora of entertainment options. Originally a rural pathway linking the village of Clamart to the Barrière Montparnasse, Rue de la Gaîté emerged alongside the Wall of the General Farmers, where travellers paid customs taxes before entering Paris to sell their goods.
The historic Barrière Montparnasse once stood at Place Denfert-Rochereau, where two pavilions housing customs staff still stand today, designated as Historical Monuments. One of these pavilions now serves as the entrance to the Catacombes, Paris’s underground necropolis.
In its early days, drinking establishments flourished outside the fiscal wall, providing patrons with libations while avoiding customs taxes on beverages.
They gained fame as “guinguettes,” offering “guinget,” a tart and affordable white wine sourced from the many vineyards dotting the hillsides of the Seine Valley.
The demolition of the Wall of the General Farmers at the onset of the Revolution, although in existence for only a decade, sparked the emergence of a distinctive enclave.
Rapidly, a plethora of popular dance halls, restaurants, cabarets, and theatres sprang up along the street, captivating the crowds with round-the-clock entertainment.
In just two generations, Rue de la Gaîté underwent a remarkable transformation from a rustic country lane into a bustling thoroughfare renowned for its vibrant day and night offerings. By the 1900s, Rue de la Gaite had transformed into a bustling hub of bistros, theaters, and entertainment halls.
Rue de la Gaîté affectionately dubbed Rue des Théâtres
Many of these establishments garnered lasting acclaim, their reputations enduring well into the 20th century.
Notable venues such as Le Bal des Quatre Saisons and Bal des Mille Colonnes may have faded into memory, but others such as Le Théâtre Rive-Gauche at No. 6, Les Folies Bobino at No. 20 (rebuilt in 1985 and renamed Studio Bobino in 1991), Le Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse at No. 26, and Le Théâtre Montparnasse at No. 31, continue to thrive.
La Comédie Italienne, with its striking blue facade, found a new home at No. 17-19 after being relocated from Avenue du Maine in 1980.
Adjacent streets also became home to vibrant establishments, such as Le Théâtre d’Edgar at No. 58 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, Le Petit Journal Montparnasse (a renowned jazz club and restaurant) at No. 13 Rue du Commandant René-Mouchotte, and Le Guichet Montparnasse at No. 15 Rue du Maine.
Rue de la Gaîté’s significance in Parisian entertainment history was duly recognized in 1863 when it was classified among the city’s heritage streets, solidifying its status as an iconic destination for leisure and culture.
Indeed, day and night, in every season, Rue de la Gaîté pulsates with energy, captivating visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and endless array of Parisian delights.
From morning strolls to late-night revelry, the street never ceases to offer something to delight the senses. Whether it’s savoring a leisurely meal at one of its charming bistros, immersing oneself in the enchanting world of theater at one of its historic venues, or simply wandering its bustling sidewalks, Rue de la Gaîté embodies the essence of Parisian joie de vivre. Its spirited ambiance and unwavering dedication to entertainment ensure that it remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists!
Directions: 14th district
Metro stations: Gaîté and Edgar Quinet on Line 13 or Montparnasse-Bienvenüe on Lines 4,6,12,13
