Remember Olivier de Serres French agronomist. Avenue Olivier de Serres bears his name. It is a tribute to his contributions to agriculture.
The Avenue Olivier de Serres lies in Paris’s 15th arrondissement. This area, like the 5th arrondissement’s Jardin-des-Plantes quarter, honors agronomists with its street names. The street’s story unfolds over centuries. The segment between Rue Victor-Duruy and Rues Dombasle once formed the “chemin de la Chapelle” in the 17th century. South of Rue Dombasle was known as “ruelle de la Procession”. By the 18th century, these paths merged. They were then called “rue des Tournelles”.
The section between Rue Vaugelas and Boulevard Lefebvre was once “chemin du Moulin-à-Vent-de-Vaugirard”. When the Thiers wall was built in 1845, the path was altered. Its name changed to “chemin de la Poterne”.
In 1860, Vaugirard was annexed by Paris. Another Rue des Tournelles already existed in the Marais district. In 1865, Rue des Tournelles and Chemin de la Poterne merged. The new name was Rue Olivier-de-Serres. The street stretched from the city wall to Rue d’Alleray. A portion of the street became Rues Victor-Duruy and François-Villon in 1897.
Along Avenue Olivier de Serres, notable buildings mark the landscape. At number 33, the former Saint-Michel Hospital was founded in 1888. Number 63 houses École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et des Métiers d’Art. The headquarters of the Fondation de Madame Jules Lebaudy is at number 73. A bronze medallion of Madame Lebaudy adorns its facade. Canal+ was headquartered at number 78 from 1984 to 1992. Later, LCI occupied it from 1994 to 2000. From 2001 to 2005, Lagardère group’s themed channels resided there. Orange occupied it from 2012 to 2021.
At number 88, the first Coupe de France football final took place in 1918. It was held at the Legion Saint-Michel stadium. The Vaugirard velodrome once stood further down the street. It was destroyed after World War II. Église Orthodoxe “de la Présentation de la Très Sainte Vierge au Temple” is located at number 91. It was founded in 1935. The path to Parc Georges-Brassens starts at number 99. Artist Maurice Boudot-Lamotte lived at number 108.
Once, the Moulin à Vent de Vaugirard stood at the intersection with Rue Firmin-Gillot. Also known as Moulin des Vignes, it operated until 1801. It was demolished in 1842. Walking along Avenue Olivier de Serres is a journey through time. You can see the layers of Parisian history. From agricultural roots to cultural landmarks.