“Le Passe-Muraille” is a short story by Marcel Aymé that tells the tale of a man named Dutilleul who discovers he can pass through walls. This surreal ability is gained during a brief power outage.

The story begins in Montmartre, in 1943, where Dutilleul, a clerk, wakes up to find that he has inherited the ability to walk through walls. Rather than being frightened or confused, Dutilleul immediately decides to use his newfound power for practical purposes, such as avoiding traffic or enjoying a good meal at a restaurant without leaving his seat.

However, Dutilleul’s life changes when he falls in love with a woman named Sabine, who is locked up by a jealous but dissolute husband who leaves her alone every night. Dutilleul uses his ability to be with Sabine, but this leads to a tragic end where he gets stuck in the wall of her house.

The statue of “Le Passe-Muraille” in Paris is a tribute to this iconic character and his unique ability. It’s located in a private parking lot on the Rue Norvins in Montmartre .