Rue de l’Abreuvoir: History & Highlights of Paris prettiest Street

If you’re looking for a little Parisian paradise, look no further than Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. This charming cobblestone street is known as being the prettiest street in Paris, and rightfully so.

From the Buste de Dalida to the iconic Maison Rose and breathtaking views of Sacre Coeur, it’s hard to resist this captivating stretch of pavement. Take a step back in history as we explore one of Paris’ prettiest streets in the heart of the 18th Arrondissement and Montmartre.

Introducing Rue de l’Abreuvoir – the prettiest street of Paris

If there’s one street in Paris that will lift your spirits the moment you step on it, with its charm and walkable cobblestone path, then it must be Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This quaint and picturesque little street is tucked away in Montmartre and showcases the true beauty of Paris.

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A sneak peek into the History of Rue de l’Abreuvoir 

The Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a winding street with a history as intriguing as its name. First mentioned in 1325, the Rue de l’Abreuvoir – ‘abreuvoir’ meaning trough in French – was originally used to provide water for Montmartre’s population and animals.

In the late nineteenth century, plans were created to make room for larger buildings, but fortunately, they never came to fruition and the Rue de l’Abreuvoir remains today as it was created.

Its typical, 19th-century Montmartre houses stand just as they were hundreds of years ago. This historic street was also formerly one of Montmartre’s main artist hotspots. Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and many others visited Rue de l’Abreuvoir, or to be exact: the Maison Rose.

This iconic pink house at the top of the street did not lose any of its charms over the years. It is, in fact, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paris and probably the reason, why Rue de l’Abreuvoir is today one of the most famous streets of Paris.

The Highlights of Rue de l’Abreuvoir

The Rue de l’Abreuvoir is only 133m long, nevertheless, this narrow, winding street has a few highlights, that you shouldn’t miss when visiting.

#1 La Maison Rose

The Spanish painter, Ramon Pichot, bought this little house behind the Sacre Cœur in 1905 to use it as his atelier. Not surprisingly, this charming pink house eventually turned into a gathering space for renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

But it was his wife Germaine Gargallo, a Montmartre Persona and model, who painted this house pink and opened its first restaurant. Later on, Maurice Utrillo immortalized this iconic site in his painting, making it even more renowned.

The history of La Maison Rose during WWII remains obscure – it could have been a cabaret at some point. After the war ended, it opened its doors again and welcomed several famous personalities such as Alain Delon and Dalida.

Since then, this family-run business continues to be one of Montmarte’s most desirable spots when looking for a picturesque lunch or dining spot. They serve excellent brunches as well and are among the most gorgeous cafés in Paris.

#2 The Buste de Dalida

For those looking to explore Rue de l’Abreuvoir, a stroll down the street will take you to the little square where you can find the Buste de Dalida. This bronze memorial is dedicated to the Italian-French singer and actress, Dalida, who rose to fame in the 1960s and sold over 140 million records worldwide.

She was beloved by fans and had a massive fan base across the globe. Yet, her personal life was blighted by mental health issues and tragic love stories, which ultimately led to her death by suicide in 1987 at the age of 54.

Montmartre held a special place for Dalida during her lifetime. She lived here for more than 20 years, but it’s also where she died and was buried.

#3 The view of Sacre Cœur

Take a step down the winding cobblestone path of Rue de l’Abreuvoir, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with what’s probably going to be your profile picture for the upcoming weeks.

Yes, it is that stunning. Imagine the vibrant colored houses, ivy-overgrown facades, and the grand Sacre Cœur in the backdrop – making it absolutely Instagram-worthy.

For the best viewpoint, head to Place Dalida and the intersection of rue de l’Abreuvoir and rue Girardon.

#4 Find the Hidden Gems on Rue de l’Abreuvoir

You know it – walking the streets of Paris, you often find yourself staring in awe at the buildings, their intricate details, and the little hidden gems that make their facades truly special.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is no exception. There is a lot to take in and marvel at! One thing that you easily overlook is the sundial that is attached to the half-timbered house on 4 Rue de l’Abreuvoir. But also the Mary statue and the falcons are easily missed.

#5 Filming location of Emily in Paris

If one of the reasons you want to visit Rue de l’Abreuvoir is because you’re on the hunt for famous filming locations, you won’t be disappointed. This street is featured in the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris, in even two episodes.

In Season 2, Episode 5, Mindy and Emily are having a drink on the terrace of the La Maison Rose. But this is not all. In the same Episode, Place Dalida is the backdrop for the bed photo shoot.

What else to do around Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre? 

The Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a stunning and picturesque street that lies in the heart of Montmartre. If you’ve come looking for things to do in this iconic quarter, then you’re spoilt for choice!

Start with the Musee de Montmartre for insights and intriguing facts about the area’s history. It’s certain to captivate everyone, from art lovers to casual tourists. Next, be sure to take your camera (or just get ready for some serious selfies!) at Place de Tertre and the Mary-go-Round at Abbesses.

And at last, saving the best for last: taking in the breathtaking view of the Sacré Coeur – preferably over a glass of delicious rosé at sunset.

For more ideas, don’t miss my post about Montmartre. It gives you all the insights and plenty of ideas on how to explore this fantastic Parisian neighborhood.

How to visit rue de l’Abreuvoir?

Visiting rue de l’Abreuvoir is an excellent point to add to your Paris Bucket list. However, if you are keen on taking jaw-dropping pictures of this gorgeous spot, you better come early. Rue de l’Abreuvoir is no longer a secret and is flocked with photographers and tourists all day. So for the best photo occasion come here before noon, and try to avoid the weekends.

How to get to Rue de l’Abreuvoir?

Montmartre lies in the north of Paris in the 18th Arrondissement. You get there best by Metro Line 2, 4 or 12. Get off at Abbesses, Anvers, or Pigalle, and find the stairs leading up the hill. The Rue de l’Abreuvoir is on the left hand of the Sacre Cœur.

All in all, the Rue de l’Abreuvoir is certainly one of the most iconic streets of Paris. Every step along its winding cobblestones takes you on a journey through history.

Whether it’s admiring the beautiful scenery or unearthing forgotten stories from a bygone era, there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy here.

So don’t forget to take your time exploring this wonderful part of Montmartre and make sure to capture every moment because at Rue de l’Abreuvoir – you can feel like you are in a postcard! And if you want more things to check out after, consult my Montmartre guide for ideas!

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