Rue Lepic

Rue Lepic, located in the heart of the lively Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most iconic and historically rich streets in the city. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and deep connection to the world of art and culture, Rue Lepic is a place that tells stories of artists, intellectuals, and Parisian life. The history of Rue Lepic begins long before it became the iconic street it is today. Originally known as Chemin Neuf de la Ville d’Orléans, the street was renamed Rue de l’Empereur during the Second Empire, in honor of Napoleon III. However, with the fall of the Empire, in 1864 the street took its current name in honor of General Louis Lepic, a hero of the Napoleonic wars. This name change reflects the historical and political transformations that Paris has undergone over the centuries. Rue Lepic starts at the foot of the famous Moulin Rouge, one of the most famous cabarets in the world, and climbs up the hill of Montmartre, ending at Place Jean-Baptiste-Clément. This uphill route offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, making it one of the most fascinating walks in Paris. One of the most fascinating aspects of Rue Lepic is its connection to art. The street has been home to numerous world-renowned artists. Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo lived at number 54 from 1886 to 1888. This period was crucial for Vincent’s artistic development, as he met artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissarro, and Gauguin in Paris. These encounters deeply influenced Van Gogh’s style, leading him from the dark tones of his early works to a palette of vibrant and bold colors, producing some of his most famous works. Rue Lepic is also famous for its historic cafes, such as the Café des 2 Moulins, made famous by the film “Amélie”. This café has become an iconic meeting point, attracting visitors from around the world who want to relive the atmospheres of the film. Another point of interest is the Moulin de la Galette, one of the last working windmills in Montmartre. This mill and the surrounding restaurant have been immortalized in numerous paintings by artists like Renoir, Van Gogh, and Utrillo, capturing the essence of Parisian life at the time. From a historical perspective, Rue Lepic has seen many illustrious figures pass through. Among the famous residents are the poet Jehan Rictus and the painter Edmond Yon. Louis-Ferdinand Céline, one of the most controversial writers of the 20th century, lived at number 98. The street also has a significant role in the history of technology: it was here that Louis Renault built his first car in 1898, winning a bet that his vehicle could climb the steep hill of Rue Lepic, an event that marked the beginning of his career in the automotive industry. Rue Lepic is also an ideal starting point for exploring Montmartre. A walk along Rue Lepic takes visitors to the heart of the neighborhood, the Place du Tertre, famous for its street artists and outdoor cafes. From here, it is easy to reach the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, which dominates the hill and offers a spectacular view of all of Paris.