Rue Marguerite Renaudin

A philanthropist’s legacy. That’s the essence of Rue Marguerite Renaudin in Sceaux. Don’t confuse it with the Rue Margueritte in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. Our Rue Marguerite Renaudin is named after the wife of Hugues Renaudin, a remarkable notary and philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping others. Hugues Renaudin moved to Sceaux in 1883 with his young wife, Marguerite. He took over a notary practice on Rue des Ecoles. Tragically, Marguerite died young in 1893 at the age of 34. This profound loss spurred Renaudin to devote his fortune and the surplus income from his practice to helping orphans and the less fortunate. He lived by the motto “Secourir et soulager l’humanité souffrante depuis la naissance jusqu’à la mort,” which translates to “Rescue and relieve suffering humanity from birth to death.” Rue Marguerite Renaudin stands as a testament to her memory and her husband’s commitment to social reform. He founded the Sainte Marguerite Foundation, which included a hospital, hospice, and orphanage. He also funded the first municipal daycare in Sceaux and provided annual summer camp trips for underprivileged children. Renaudin’s philanthropy extended beyond children. Inspired by the social reform ideas of Abbé Lemire, he created community gardens for working-class families. He even built housing for workers living in unsanitary conditions. He established a “dowry of land” to provide financial assistance to young women from these homes upon their marriage. Rue Marguerite Renaudin is more than just a street; it embodies a story of compassion and a dedication to improving the lives of others.