Boulevard du Temple Paris

Overview

Boulevard du Temple is one of the most historic boulevards of the Grands Boulevards district, known for its theaters, cafés, and elegant Haussmannian architecture. Nicknamed the “Boulevard du Crime” in the 19th century due to its many melodramatic theaters, it remains a cultural hotspot in the 3rd and 11th arrondissements, close to Place de la République.

Today, the boulevard blends history, culture, and everyday Parisian life, making it a must‑see destination for visitors exploring central Paris.

History

• 17th–18th centuries — Development of theaters and entertainment venues.
• 19th century — Known as the “Boulevard du Crime” for its popular melodramas.
• Haussmann era — Transformation of façades and urban layout.
• 20th century — Growth of cafés, brasseries, and cultural venues.
• Today — A lively boulevard mixing heritage and modern urban life.

Boulevard du Temple remains one of the most culturally significant streets in Paris.

What to See

• Théâtre Déjazet — historic theater dating back to the 18th century.
• Place de la République — major square with cafés and cultural events.
• Haussmannian Buildings — elegant façades lining the boulevard.
• Cafés & Brasseries — perfect for Parisian dining.
• Grands Boulevards — lively cultural and commercial district.

Atmosphere & Experience

Boulevard du Temple offers:

• a lively, cultural atmosphere,
• historic theaters and architecture,
• wide sidewalks ideal for walking,
• cafés and brasseries for relaxing,
• a mix of nightlife, history, and modern commerce.

It’s perfect for visitors seeking culture, architecture, and Parisian vibrancy.

Practical Information

Location

3rd & 11th arrondissements — between République and Boulevard Voltaire.

Transport

• Metro: Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11 (République)
• Bus: 20, 56, 75

Duration

A full walk along the boulevard: 20–30 minutes With cafés and visits: 1h30–2h

Bouillon République

• Address: 39 Boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris
• Style: A spectacular, bustling, and highly affordable traditional French bouillon.
• Highlights: Housed in a gorgeous, sprawling Art Deco dining room, this massive restaurant brings back the turn-of-the-century concept of serving classic French comfort food at unbeatable prices. From snails and steak frites to traditional stews, it delivers fast, continuous service all day long in an unforgettable, energetic atmosphere.

Martin

• Address: 24 Boulevard du Temple, 75011 Paris
• Style: A trendy, laid-back wine bar and small-plates kitchen.
• Highlights: This neighborhood favorite focuses on « boire et manger » (drinking and eating) with an impressive menu of natural wines paired with creative, seasonal French tapas. It boasts a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere and a lively local crowd, making it the perfect spot to spend a relaxed evening sharing food with friends.

Paperboy Paris

• Address: 137 Rue Amelot, 75011 Paris
• Style: A cool, modern, hipster-chic breakfast and brunch café.
• Highlights: Tucked away on the street running parallel to the boulevard, this is an absolute haven for brunch lovers. Famous for its thick gourmet sandwiches, creative eggs Benedict, fresh juices, and specialty coffees, it offers a beautifully designed, relaxed environment that is perfect for a slow, delicious morning.

Bisou

• Address: 15 Boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris
• Style: A vibrant, bespoke cocktail bar and café with a charming outdoor terrace.
• Highlights: Instantly recognizable by its eye-catching pink awning, Bisou unique concept is that there is no menu. Instead, the expert baristas and bartenders ask you about your favorite flavors and customize a completely bespoke drink just for you. Open late, it features a fantastic sidewalk terrace that is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon or a warm Parisian night.

Internal Links

Boulevard Saint‑MartinBoulevard Saint‑Martin – Theaters, Cafés & Grands Boulevards Culture

Place de la RépubliquePlace de la République Paris – History, Statue & Visitor Guide

Porte Saint‑MartinPorte Saint‑Martin – Historic Triumphal Arch in Paris

faq

Q1. Where is Boulevard du Temple located and what does it connect?

Boulevard du Temple is a historic road that acts as a border between the 3rd and 11th arrondissements of Paris. Spanning roughly 405 meters, it directly links the massive Place de la République to the northwest with Boulevard des Filles-du-Calvaire (which leads towards Bastille) to the southeast.

Q2. Why was this street historically nicknamed the « Boulevard du Crime »?

During the first half of the 19th century, the street earned the famous nickname « Boulevard du Crime ». This wasn’t because the street itself was physically dangerous, but rather due to the many theaters lining the road that specialized in dramatic melodramas. Every single evening, dozens of fictional crimes, stabbings, thefts, and assassinations were dramatically performed on their stages for thousands of captivated spectators!

Q3. What happened to the historic theaters that used to line the boulevard?

In 1862, the vast majority of the historic theaters were completely demolished during Baron Haussmann’s grand architectural remodeling of Paris to make room for the expansion of the Place de la République.

• Only one single historic theater miraculously survived the demolition: the Théâtre Déjazet (located at No. 41), which is still an active, operating theater today.

Q4. How is the boulevard connected to the history of cinema?

The vibrant, theatrical 19th-century heyday of the Boulevard du Temple was immortalized in the legendary French film Children of Paradise (Les Enfants du Paradis, 1945) directed by Marcel Carné. Because the original street had been destroyed decades prior, the production had to build a massive, incredibly detailed physical set replicating the old « Boulevard du Crime » just to shoot the movie.

Q5. How can I get to Boulevard du Temple using public transit?

The boulevard is highly accessible from multiple sides:

• République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11) anchors the northern tip.
• Filles du Calvaire (Line 8) sits directly at the southern end.
• Oberkampf (Lines 5 and 9) is located just a short one-block walk to the east.