A house born of a dispute
Built in a gap between two buildings to end an argument over right of way.
Coyau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Reinhardhauke — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Agence Rol. Agence photographique (commanditaire) — Public domain · Tangopaso — Public domain
A very narrow house on Rue du Château d'Eau in the 10th arrondissement, known as the smallest house in Paris: its frontage is only about a metre and forty centimetres wide. The reason it exists is an old dispute between neighbours. The usual account is that the space was a passage between two buildings and an argument arose over the right of way, which ended with a house being built in the gap to close it. Whether or not the details are accurate, the shape itself proves the plot was a leftover void rather than a place planned for living. The house has several floors with a single room on each, and a door and window at every level. It remains a standing building within an ordinary row. A plain practical point: this is a private house, not visitable inside, with no sign explaining it. The visit means standing in the street and looking, and minutes are enough. Do not cross the city for it — make it a detail if you are in the area between Place de la République and the Canal Saint-Martin.
Built in a gap between two buildings to end an argument over right of way.
Several storeys with a single room on each, plus a door and window.
Nothing identifies it — you pass without noticing unless you look.
Rue du Château d'Eau, 10th arrondissement, Paris
Musée des Arts et MétiersThe world's oldest science and technology museum (1794), and the most astonishin8 minutes walk4.5
Passage VendômeA covered commercial arcade of the early nineteenth century near Place de la Rép9 minutes walk4.1
Oasis d'AboukirA large vertical garden on the face of a building at the corner of Rue d'Aboukir10 minutes walk4.5
Marché des Enfants RougesThe oldest surviving covered market in Paris, in the Marais, trading since 1615 12 minutes walk4.5
Musée de l'IllusionA museum of optical illusion in central Paris, a branch of an international chai13 minutes walk4.1Looking for halal food near The Smallest House in Paris? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
No. The house is private property and lived in, with no tours or visits. Look from the street and respect the residents' privacy — do not photograph the windows or linger in front of the door.
As a detail on a walk through the quarter, yes — and the quarter itself rewards it: the Canal Saint-Martin is nearby and among the pleasantest parts of Paris to stroll. But do not make a trip of it, since it is a narrow frontage in an ordinary row.