Oberkampf

Oberkampf usually refers to Rue Oberkampf, a street in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, and to the surrounding neighborhood. The name honors Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf, an 18th‑century industrialist who established a major textile and wallpaper manufactory in the Paris region and helped shape decorative arts in that era.

Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf (c. 1738–1815) was a German-born entrepreneur who settled near Paris and founded the Jouy-en-Josas manufactory in the vicinity of the city. Around the 1760s, his factory produced printed cotton fabrics and, notably, Toile de Jouy, a distinctive style of pastoral, single-color prints that became emblematic of French decorative arts. Oberkampf’s enterprise grew through innovations in production and distribution, expanding to serve markets across Europe. The factory remained influential through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, contributing to the broader development of wallpaper and textile manufacture in France.

Rue Oberkampf runs through eastern central Paris in the 11th arrondissement. It is a historic street that has long served as a commercial and residential axis in the district and has become associated with a vibrant, cosmopolitan character. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the area around the street underwent redevelopment and gentrification, while retaining a distinct local culture. It is known for its range of cafés, bars, shops, and cultural venues, reflecting a mix of working-class heritage and contemporary urban life.

Overall, Oberkampf represents both a namesake of an influential industrial figure and a modern Parisian neighborhood known for its dynamic social and cultural landscape.