People often ask me about the secret spots that Paris has to offer, and the other day I happened on one by chance.

A hop away from Bastille, Rue Crémieux recalls more Portobello Road than Paris. With more colours than a Pantone palette wheel, from bubblegum pink and sailor blue, there’s nothing dull or remotely Parisian about this street.

Beyond the spectacular hues are also trompe à l’oeil motifs including a bird-hunting cat and beautiful wisteria crawling on a pistachio-green background.

History of Rue Crémieux

Rue Crémieux was actually called rue Millaud until 1897 when it was changed to the name we know today. Dorky fact: you can see a commemoration to the watermark on no.8 rue Crémieux from the great Seine flooding of 1910 – standing at 1 metre 75!

Paintbox Pictures

While it’s easy to see why the street has become a favourite with the blogging crowd, this terrible hypocrite advises taking care with photography. Mid-snap, real live people were leaving these beautiful homes (lucky so and sos) to go about their weekends, so discretion is a good bet.

The next time you want to do something different or need an instant mood lift, make for rue Crémieux’s rainbow of happiness.

Rue Crémieux, Paris 75012 (Nearest metro: Quai de la Rapée)

Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker

Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker
Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker

Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker
Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker

Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker

Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker Rue Crémieux © Alice White Walker