Cour Damoye: A Hidden Gem in the Bastille

Cour Damoye, a hidden passageway in the 11th arrondissement, offers a tranquil escape from the lively Place de la Bastille. Established in 1780 by Antoine Pierre Damoye, a hardware merchant, the courtyard was built on the grounds of the old Saint-Antoine ditches. Historically, it was a hub for artisans and merchants, particularly those in the clothing and scrap metal trades, with workshops on the ground floors of their homes. A freight lift still stands as a reminder of this manufacturing past. In 1914, photographer Eugène Atget captured the atmosphere of cart wheel repairs taking place within the courtyard. While butcher shops and Auvergnat cafes have since given way to trendy establishments, the courtyard retains its village-like atmosphere. Renovated in the late 1990s, Cour Damoye is now home to art galleries, workshops, and boutiques. The architecture has been preserved, with features like exposed beams and masonry. A fountain with a statue of the Virgin Mary can be found tucked away near Place de la Bastille. Today, visitors can stroll through the cobblestone alley, admiring the lush greenery and unique shops. The courtyard is open to the public during specific hours, with wrought iron gates closing in the evening.