It's almost not a street. In any case it is the least known in the Marais.
In the extension of rue de Beauce, ruelle Sourdis is a semi-private dead end with a gate at each end.
Created in 1620, without sidewalks and concave, this alley, formerly L-shaped, began at 3 rue Charlot and ended at 15 rue Pastourelle.
It is still “in its original state”: it has retained its central gutter, its stone bollards and its uneven paving stones.
Note, however, that the part of the L giving onto rue Charlot has been closed for many years but can be seen through a gate.
The other part, the one overlooking rue Pastourelle, is regularly closed.
Rue Sourdis reminds us that in the Middle Ages when you emptied your chamber pot through the window of your home, you shouted “Beware of the water!” » to warn his fellow citizens of the wastewater and other dirt that was going to be dumped on the road.
Passers-by then took refuge against the houses, towards the top of the pavement to protect themselves from the splashes.
This is how the expression “holding the upper hand” was born.
![](https://www.lemaraismood.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/33.jpg)
Text: Katia Barillot
Photos: ©Anaïs Costet
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