Rue des Thermopyles
A flower-filled cobbled lane, wisteria in spring.
The story of the place
The lane was born in 1859, when the developer Alexandre Chauvelot divided into plots the still rural land of Plaisance, annexed to Paris the following year. He named this private passage after Thermopylae, the Greek defile of the hot gates, just as he named his other subdivisions Nouvelle-Californie or Villafranca. Lined with low houses and former workshops, it took the name of street only in 1937 and stayed closed off by chains until the late 1950s. It has kept its large cobblestones and its wisteria.
Getting there
Nearest metro station: Pernety (13). The spot is in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Open walking directions.
The light
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season.
Where to go after the shoot
A few addresses within a short walk, to make the moment last.
Bakery run by the Maeder family from Alsace: sourdough breads, pretzels and kouglof, a few minutes' walk from the lane.
David Rathgeber's bistro, hearty seasonal cooking, five minutes' walk from the lane.
Meat bistro near Alésia: aged cuts of beef and a short chalkboard menu, about ten minutes' walk away.
Addresses checked in 07/2026. Places change — check opening hours before you head out.
Photo spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rue des Thermopyles?
Nearest metro station: Pernety (13). The spot is in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.
When is the best time to photograph Rue des Thermopyles?
Decent golden hour (3/5): the golden light works, but surrounding buildings can cut it short depending on the season. April–May for the wisteria in bloom.
Can I book a photographer for a shoot at Rue des Thermopyles?
Yes. SnapSpot Paris connects you with Paris-based photographers who know the location. A single session can cover several nearby spots — the photographer adapts the route to the light of the day. Parc Montsouris, Jardin du Luxembourg, Panthéon, Rue Mouffetard.