Poetry whispers from the very stones of Rue Léon Dierx. This street in the 15th arrondissement of Paris is more than just a path. It is a tribute to a celebrated poet.
Rue Léon Dierx is named for Léon Dierx. He was a French poet born in 1838. He died in 1912. Dierx was even hailed “prince of poets” later in life.
This 96-meter stretch wasn’t always a street. Imagine Paris in 1929. The city was expanding. The old fortifications were coming down. On the former site of bastion 74 of the Thiers wall, Rue Léon Dierx was created.
The street begins at 86 boulevard Lefebvre. It ends at 43 avenue Albert-Bartholomé. It’s a small street. Its width is 18 meters.
Édouard Righetti lived at number 5. He was a painter and engraver. He lived there from 1924 to 2001.
Think of Léon Dierx walking these Parisian streets. Dierx came to Paris to study. He became a disciple of Leconte de Lisle. He became a Parnassian poet. The Parnassians valued precision. They also valued objectivity.
Dierx’s works include “Aspirations” and “Poèmes et poésies.” “Lèvres closes” is another work. So is “Paroles d’un vaincu.” “La Rencontre” is a dramatic scene. He also wrote “Les Amants.” His “Poésies complètes” earned acclaim. The French Academy crowned it.
Léon Dierx received the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1901. He was recognized for his contribution to French culture.
Today Rue Léon Dierx is a quiet reminder. It reminds us of the power of words. It celebrates a poet. It honors a man who found beauty. He found beauty in language.