Boulevard Félix Faure

“A boulevard named after a president? How intriguing!” a young voice chirped. Boulevard Félix Faure stretches before us, a vibrant artery in the heart of Paris’s 15th arrondissement. This boulevard, named after President Félix Faure, who served from 1895 to 1899, holds a fascinating history. Originally, this road in the former commune of Grenelle was known as “Rue Herr.” It was named after a geometer who designed the plans for Grenelle before it became part of Paris in 1863. Boulevard Félix Faure begins at Place Étienne-Pernet and extends to Rue Leblanc at Place Balard. Along its route, it intersects with several streets, including Rue de Javel, Rue de la Convention, Rue Duranton, and Rue de Lourmel. Many other streets either begin or end on Boulevard Félix Faure. These include Rue de l’Église, Rue Oscar-Roty, Rue Serret, Rue Houdart de Lamotte, Rue François-Coppée, Rue Tisserand, Rue Jean-Maridor, Rue Félix-Faure, Rue Vasco-de-Gama, and Rue Bouilloux-Lafont. Square Jean-Cocteau also graces this bustling boulevard. Boulevard Félix Faure is easily accessible by metro. The stations Félix Faure, Boucicaut, Lourmel, and Balard all serve this area. In 1907, a section of Boulevard Félix Faure was separated to create Place Étienne-Pernet. At number 61, we find the former residence of Albert Perrin, where he passed away. The Crèche de l’Espérance of the Maria-Chauvière Foundation stands at number 71. Number 72 housed the Patronage laïque du 15e – Maison pour tous from 1909 to 2012. Now, it’s home to the Patronage laïque Jules-Vallès. As we stroll along Boulevard Félix Faure, imagine the scene in 1910. The area was inundated during the great flood of Paris. Pictures from that time show men navigating the flooded avenue in buckets used as makeshift boats. Today, the boulevard thrives with life, a testament to its enduring spirit.