49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine: From Revolutionary History to Restaurant Row

The History of 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine

The building located at 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in Paris has a rich history. The street itself, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Paris, dating back to the medieval era. It runs parallel to the city walls built under King Philippe Auguste in the 13th century to protect the eastern flank of Paris.

In its early days, the Faubourg Saint-Antoine was home to artisans and craftsmen, including furniture makers and woodworkers. Their proximity to the Bastille prison provided them with a ready workforce of prisoners with time on their hands to produce furniture and other goods.

The Rise of Furniture Making

By the 17th and 18th centuries, the Faubourg was the heart of French furniture manufacturing, renowned for its artistry and quality. Skilled craftsmen made and sold all varieties of chairs, cabinets, sofas, desks, and tables, exporting their high-end goods to aristocrats and royals all over Europe.

The Faubourg's central role in furniture making continued through the 18th century. Its thriving artisan workshops gave it the nickname "City of Furniture." Woodcarvers, gilders, lacquer workers and other specialized trades plied their work along its streets.

Political Symbolism

Given its history as a hotbed of laborers and artisans, the Faubourg Saint-Antoine took on a revolutionary political symbolism by the late 18th century. The workers there, struggling under dire economic conditions, were fertile ground for the seeds of revolt against the French monarchy.

During the French Revolution in July 1789, protesters and mutinous French troops famously stormed the Bastille fortress near the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. This dramatic action sparked the Revolution, making the area a touchstone for revolutionary fervor.

The Rise of 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine

The building at 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine was constructed in 1863. While its early history is unclear, by the late 19th century it was home to an award-winning furniture manufacturer, Paul Chevalier et Fils.

Founded in 1866, Paul Chevalier et Fils specialized in high-end furniture including chairs, tables, and wardrobes. The company branded itself as a maker of "Art Furniture" and embraced Art Nouveau designs, featuring flowing, organic shapes inspired by plants and nature.

Located in the heart of the historic Faubourg Saint-Antoine furniture making district, Paul Chevalier et Fils quickly earned accolades and awards. Their signature designs were medal winners at the Exposition Universelle world fairs of 1889 and 1900. By 1900 they held the prestigious designation Fournisseur Breveté de LL.MM ("Registered Supplier of His Majesties").

49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine Today

The reputation of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine suffered after World War II and the decline of French manufacturing. However, 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine remains a link to its proud artisanal past even today.

Although no longer a furniture workshop, the building at 49 Faubourg Saint-Antoine is now home to the popular Asian fusion restaurant Nakamura. Its sleek modern interior dining room with an open kitchen pays subtle homage to the structure’s history as an artisan workshop.

Nakamura serves an eclectic Pan-Asian menu including sushi, dim sum, ramen, and robata grilled dishes. Its hip, lively ambience makes it a favorite among Parisian foodies, designers, artists, and media types.

The Restaurant Scene on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine

In addition to Nakamura, the blocks around 49 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine host a number of inviting restaurants serving a diverse array of international cuisine.

Within a few doors is the neo-bistro Le Rigmarole, dishing out updated French brasserie classics. The Italian restaurant L'Alimentari a bit further down the street is known for its fresh pasta.

On the same block as Nakamura is Holybelly, an immensely popular brunch and breakfast destination ranked among the best in Paris. Across the street, the takeaway shop East Mamma whips up scrumptious pizzas, pastas, and Italian desserts.

The offerings continue for blocks down Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. The diversity of dining options reflect the cosmopolitan creativity of the neighborhood today. But their presence also pays homage to the Faubourg’s history as a place where artistry and craft are celebrated -- whether in furniture making or contemporary cuisine.