Did you know? This is the smallest house in Paris, an unusual house with a rich history.

Published by My de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on July 3rd, 2023 at 01:11 p.m.
In the heart of the 10th arrondissement, at no. 39 rue du Château-d'Eau, lies the smallest house in Paris. Measuring less than 1.5 meters wide, this architectural curiosity has a fascinating story to tell.

Right in the center of Paris's 10th arrondissement, you'll find an architectural curiosity nestling at no. 39rue du Château-d'Eau. With a facade less than 1.5 meters wide and five meters high, this building is surprisingly the smallest house in Paris. Despite its size, it proudly bears its own street number, a symbol of its independence.

The smallest house in Paris is a narrow shanty, tucked between two more imposing buildings. It's intriguingly small. Its construction dates back to the early 19th century, the result of a dispute over the inheritance of a vast parcel of land located between rue du Château-d'Eau and rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin. A family dispute that led to this small building being used to seal off a passageway.

The first floor, dedicated to commerce, has seen a succession of different stalls over the years. Indeed, according to an archive from the daily Le Gaulois dated January 6, 1897, a shoemaker ran a store here throughout the second half of the 19th century. Today, it's a ready-to-wear store that has taken up the challenge of making the most of this 4 square meter space.

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The first floor, accessible from the apartments at 41 rue du Château-d'Eau, once housed a tiny bedroom. The story goes that it was once a baby's room, with the cradle occupying the entire space. Despite its extremely small size, this floor remains a silent witness to the history of this unusual house.

Its modest size, far from being a handicap, lends it a special charm. You feel the weight of history, and admire the human genius capable of making the most of every situation, no matter how complex. And don't forget that the smallest house in Paris isn't the only curiosity in the area. Just a stone's throw away is Rue des Degrés, the smallest street in Paris. Another Parisian record not to be missed.

In the end, the smallest house in Paris reveals much more than its surprising architecture. It tells us a story, a rich and intriguing past. Don't forget, Paris' charm also lies in the small architectural details and hidden stories that make the city so authentic.

One thing's for sure, as you explore these Parisian curiosities, you'll realize that the unusual lurks around every corner. Enjoy your visit!

Practical information

Location

39 Rue du Château d'Eau
75010 Paris 10

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