Think of Claude Joseph Vernet, Carle Vernet and Horace Vernet. Rue Vernet is named after this famous family of French painters. This street in the 8th arrondissement of Paris whispers tales of art and transformation.
Rue Vernet is a testament to Parisian evolution. It stretches 435 meters. It is twelve meters wide.
Originally, part of Rue Vernet was a section of the “chemin des Vignes”. This existed since the 17th century. Another section formed part of the “promenoir de Chaillot”. It was created in 1777. According to the historian Jacques Hillairet, the “promenoir de Chaillot” was a large, shaded and grassy area, elevated above the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Parisians loved to sit and eat on the grass here.
Between 1848 and 1866, a portion of Rue Vernet emerged. It was built between Rue de Bassano and Avenue Marceau. This area was once home to the Château des Fleurs. It was a pleasure establishment that rivaled the Bal Mabille. The entrance faced the current Rue de Bassano, then named Rue du Château-des-Fleurs. The Château des Fleurs was destroyed. This allowed the extension of Rue de Bassano. It went through the grounds of the Sainte-Périne hospice.
In 1864, the “chemin des Vignes” was officially renamed Rue Vernet. Today, as you stroll along Rue Vernet, observe the buildings.
At number 2 Rue Vernet, at the intersection with Rue Quentin-Bauchart, you can see the rear of the Fouquet’s Barrière hotel. The entrance is at 46 Avenue George-V. Édouard François designed the facade in 2006. It features a gray Haussmann-style building in trompe-l’oeil. The windows appear independent of the building’s classic lines.
Numbers 6-10 Rue Vernet, between Avenue George V and Rue de Bassano, reveal the rear of a building complex. It opened in 1931. The main entrance is at 101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées. A restructuring in the 1990s led to the demolition of a Haussmann building. It stood on the corner of Rue Vernet and Avenue George V. A new building was built there. Since 2005, it has been the flagship store of Louis Vuitton.
At number 9 Rue Vernet, there once stood a hôtel. In 1910, it belonged to a Mr. Demachy.
The hôtel particulier at number 11 Rue Vernet is a late example of neo-classicism. It might appear to date from the 1850s. The building actually dates back to 1880.
Number 11 bis Rue Vernet. The architect Paul Sédille constructed the building around 1880.
At number 25 Rue Vernet, stands the Hôtel Vernet. Albert-Joseph Sélonier built it in 1913. The facade bears his signature. During the German occupation, from 1940 to 1944, the Germans requisitioned the hôtel.
In 1910, the hôtel at number 29 Rue Vernet belonged to the Countess of Brye. Jean d’Orléans, Duke of Guise, was born here.
At number 33 Rue Vernet, stood the hôtel of the Countess of Cossé. The hôtel was occupied by people passionate about problems with leaf tobacco. The Countess of Cossé fled Paris. She sought refuge in her estate in the Var. Before the last war, one could always find her in her studio on Rue Vernet. She was passionate about painting. She dedicated much of her time to this art.
The hôtel particulier is currently occupied by a company crèche. The AKN World Investment has taken care to preserve the building’s interior and exterior character. It is in the Eiffel style.
Number 35 Rue Vernet was once the hôtel de La Renaudière. It became the Hôtel Coleman from 1898 to 1915. Mrs. Coleman had a secret door installed. It opened onto Avenue Marceau. This allowed her to bring guests in without the concierge’s knowledge.
As you continue your walk, remember the artists. Remember the socialites. Remember the hidden stories. Rue Vernet offers a glimpse into Parisian life.