“Olivier de Serres? Never heard of him.” Many utter those words. Yet, this street in the 15th arrondissement stands as a testament to his legacy. Today, we explore the Rue Olivier-de-Serres. It is a tribute to a remarkable French agronomist.
The Rue Olivier-de-Serres is not just another Parisian street. It’s a journey through time. It is a connection to France’s agricultural past. Once, parts of this street were known as the “chemin de la Chapelle” and “ruelle de la Procession” in the 17th century. By the 18th century, these paths merged. They were then known as the “rue des Tournelles”.
But, change was constant. A portion called “chemin du Moulin-à-Vent-de-Vaugirard” became “chemin de la Poterne” after the construction of the Thiers wall in 1845. The year 1860 marked a significant shift. Vaugirard was annexed by Paris. This created a duplicate “rue des Tournelles”. To resolve this, in 1865, the street was renamed Rue Olivier-de-Serres. It honored the French agronomist Olivier de Serres. The street then stretched from the city’s edge to Rue d’Alleray.
Olivier de Serres himself was no ordinary man. Born in 1539, he revolutionized French agriculture. He introduced new farming techniques. His work, “Théâtre d’Agriculture”, became a cornerstone of agricultural knowledge. It influenced generations of farmers. It is fitting that a street bears his name.
The Rue Olivier-de-Serres has many stories to tell. Number 33 was once the site of the Hôpital Saint-Michel. It was founded in 1888. Number 63 houses the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et des Métiers d’Art. This is a testament to French craftsmanship. At number 73, the facade of the Fondation de Madame Jules Lebaudy features a bronze medallion. It immortalizes Madame Lebaudy.
From 1984 to 1992, Canal+ called number 78 home. Later, LCI and other Lagardère channels resided here. Most recently, Orange occupied the building from 2012 to 2021. In 1918, the first Coupe de France de football final took place at number 88. This was in the Légion Saint-Michel stadium. Number 91 is home to the Église Orthodoxe. It was founded in 1935. Number 99 marks the starting point for a path to Parc Georges-Brassens.
The street also has artistic connections. Maurice Boudot-Lamotte, a painter, lived at number 108. Once, at the intersection with Rue Firmin-Gillot, stood the Moulin à Vent de Vaugirard. Also known as the Moulin des Vignes, it operated until 1801. It was destroyed in 1842.
The Rue Olivier-de-Serres embodies Parisian history. It fuses agriculture, art, and daily life. As you stroll along this street, remember Olivier de Serres. Remember his contribution to France. He not only cultivated the land. He also sowed the seeds of progress. He continues to inspire.