Why name a street in Paris after a town outside the city? The story of Rue de Viroflay begins with a curious choice. This street in the 15th arrondissement is named for the town of Viroflay. Viroflay was then in Seine-et-Oise. Today, it is part of the Yvelines department.
Rue de Viroflay is a short street. It stretches less than 80 meters. The street runs parallel to Rue Lecourbe. It sits not far north of the 15th arrondissement’s town hall. You can find it between Rue Péclet and Rue de l’Amiral-Roussin.
The street’s name came from the landowners themselves in 1899. These property owners decided to honor Viroflay. Perhaps they had ties to the town. Or maybe they just liked the name.
The first building on Rue de Viroflay was built in 1901. This building stands at number 8. The street shows architectural harmony. It features a collection of Haussmannian buildings made of cut stone.
Rue de Viroflay made a cameo in cinema. It appears in the film “Quand passent les faisans” from 1965. In the movie, Arsène Baudu tries to escape his pursuers. He runs from number 4. The entrance of number 4 is decorated with mourning fabric. Baudu is arrested on the street. Hyacinthe Camus pretends to be a police officer. He saves Baudu from a lynch mob.
There is also a Viroflayer Strasse. This “Rue de Viroflay” is located in Hassloch. Hassloch is Paris’s twin city.
The area around Rue de Viroflay has changed over time. In the early 20th century, the area was mostly agricultural. But Rue de Viroflay remains. It is a small piece of Parisian history. It links the city to its surroundings.