Quartier de la Odeon

Paris - La Belle Époque

The Quartier de l'Odéon's history is centered around the Théâtre de l'Odéon, with the square named Place de l'Odéon in 1807 after being called Place du Théâtre-Français and Place de la Comédie-Française. The area is also known for Sylvia Beach's bookstore, which made it an intellectual hub nicknamed "Stratford-on-Odéon" by James Joyce. The neighborhood features notable landmarks like the theatre itself, which has been rebuilt after two fires, and the historic Le Procope café.

Early History and Namesake

• The area's history is defined by the Théâtre de l'Odéon. The square, initially the Place du Théâtre-Français, was built in 1779 and opened to the public in August 1779.
• It was renamed Place de la Comédie-Française before being renamed Place de l'Odéon in 1807.

The theatre and its fires

• The original theatre was constructed between 1780 and 1782, opening with Queen Marie-Antoinette in attendance.
• It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1799, but the second theatre was also destroyed by a second fire in 1818.
• A third version was built and opened in September 1819, designed by architects Baraguey and Prévost.

Intellectual and literary significance

• The Rue de l'Odéon was a hub for English-speaking writers due to the presence of Adrienne Monnier's and Sylvia Beach's bohemian bookstores.
• James Joyce nicknamed the street "Stratford-on-Odéon" because of this literary community.
• After closing during WWII, Sylvia Beach's bookstore was located at 18 Rue de l'Odeon, where Ernest Hemingway visited her during the liberation of Paris in 1944.

Notable events and residents

• The square was a site of clashes during the July Revolution of 1830.
• Camille Desmoulins, his wife Lucile Desmoulins, and Fabre d'Églantine lived at 2 Place de l'Odéon until they were executed during the French Revolution.
• The Café Voltaire, a frequent meeting place for Voltaire and his friends, was once located in the square.