Rue Antoine Chantin

Did Antoine Chantin ever imagine his name would grace a Parisian street? Rue Antoine Chantin, a seemingly ordinary street in the 14th arrondissement, holds a story as vibrant as the flowers Chantin cultivated. This street, a mere 244 meters long and 12 meters wide, begins at 26 Avenue Jean-Moulin and ends at 47 Rue des Plantes. Rue Antoine Chantin was opened in 1904 and named after Antoine Chantin (1815-1893), a prominent horticulturist and nurseryman. He wasn’t just any gardener. He was a specialist in greenhouse plants, cultivating exotic species like caladiums, palms, cycads, pandanuses, and ferns. His nursery thrived in Petit-Montrouge, an area then known for its horticultural activity. Chantin’s legacy extends beyond the street name. At number 20 Rue Antoine Chantin, you’ll find the Antoine Chantin primary school, a testament to his lasting impact on the community. Number 7 houses a remarkable Art Deco building. This building, constructed in 1927/1938 by Eugène Gonnot and later redesigned by his son André, was once a hub for artists. The painter Louise Janin, the sculptor Pierrette Bloch, the painter Lucien Coutaud, and the writer Pierre Jean Jouve all worked within its walls. Number 9 housed the Ferenczi & fils publishing house, another contributor to the street’s vibrant history. Rue Antoine Chantin also housed a temporary hospital during World War II. This hospital, originally the private medico-surgical hospital of Rue Antoine Chantin, served the city during a time of great need. It later became affiliated with Broussais Hospital before its demolition in the late 1970s. From a nurseryman’s plot to a bustling street filled with history, Rue Antoine Chantin whispers stories of art, literature, medicine, and the enduring passion of a man dedicated to the beauty of the natural world.