Houses like macarons: Visiting Rue Cremieux, Paris

Last updated on August 11th, 2018 at 11:26 pm

If you’ve ever purchased a line of macarons (Pierre Hermé, anyone??), you know what a treat they are for the eye AND the stomach. While Rue Cremieux won’t satisfy your sweet tooth, it’ll certainly give your eyes – and your camera! – a brilliant feast to remember.

Boyfriend Perspective: Macarons, my ass. It kind of looks like the Easter Bunny threw up. In a good way. If that’s a thing.

The brilliant beauty of Rue Cremieux

Jumping cat trompe l’oeil art

Meagan on Rue Cremieux

We had just finished exploring the Promenade Plantée – another lovely pop of color in an already vibrant city – and walked a few streets over to experience this little bit of Paris “off the beaten track.”

As attractions go, this will probably be the quickest thing you do in Paris. At only 144 metres long, this sweet, pedestrianized street feels completely contrary to everything around it. One minute, you’re walking down a very Parisian urban street – all creams, reds, blacks, and greens. Then you hang a left, and suddenly you’ve got dazzlingly bright, happy colors galore.

Boyfriend Perspective: Seriously, Rue Cremieux is a mix between the Easter Bunny and an Instagrammer’s dream come true. Side note, there was at least one hipster girl with a fantastic boyfriend-tog – he must have taken photos of her in 10 poses while we were there!

In addition to all the lovely colors, make sure to look a bit closer. Many of the facades are decorated with trompe l’oeil paintings. On one front, you’ve got the likeness of a cat leaping, mid-hunt, towards a real birdhouse, with painted birds fleeing the scene. On another, simple but detailed likenesses of creeping vines heading up towards the roof. Everywhere you look, there’s something special!

When to visit Rue Cremieux

Rue Crémieux selfie!

Houses like macarons

E-A-R-L-Y. As with any other attraction or landmark, of course.

The later it gets, the more people will be up and about… and in the middle of your photos!

Rue Cremieux lives smack in the middle of a busy area. And, since it’s a pedestrianized street, it attracts a fair number of folks who would prefer not to play dodge ’em with cars on their way to their final destination.

Practical information for visiting Rue Cremieux, Paris

Rue Cremieux’s beautiful greenery

One of Rue Cremieux’s feline residents (a real one!)

• Nearest metro stop to Rue Cremieux: Gare de Lyon
• Best time year to visit Rue Cremieux: Spring or summer (all the window boxes and terrace plants will be alive and blooming!)

Boyfriend Perspective: There will likely be folks everywhere. Be patient if you’re taking photos!

• Rue Cremieux isn’t just a tourist thing. While there are some offices, there are also actual residential houses. So, be respectful of private property. Don’t muck around with people’s plants, animals, or homes.
• It’s larger in pictures. The street is fairly short – shorter than most photos allude to – so be aware that it’ll be tough to take a truly original shot.

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