Down an unassuming street in Paris a remarkable story waits. This is Rue Thèophraste Renaudot. It’s named for a man who was more than just a name.
Rue Thèophraste Renaudot is located in the 15th arrondissement. The street stretches 235 meters connecting Rue Lecourbe and Rue Léon-Lhermitte. For much of its length it borders the west side of Square Saint-Lambert. You can reach it via Metro lines 8 and 12.
Who was Thèophraste Renaudot? He was a physician a philanthropist and a journalist. Born in 1586 he became physician and councillor to King Louis XIII. He was quite the multi-talent.
Renaudot wasn’t only a doctor. He launched La Gazette France’s first weekly newspaper in 1631. Imagine the impact of that. News regularly reaching the masses for the first time.
But there’s more to the story of Rue Thèophraste Renaudot. Before it was a street it was the site of the old Vaugirard gas plant. The street took its current form and name in 1932.
Look around at the buildings that line Rue Thèophraste Renaudot. Notice the architectural unity. The buildings constructed in the 1930s share similar designs. They are generally eight stories high. The upper floors often feature brick facades. You can find similar architecture on Rue Formigé. Rue Thèophraste-Renaudot intersects with it.
Number 12 Rue Thèophraste Renaudot was once home to writer Claude Aveline. He lived and wrote there from the 1950s until his death. At number 16 resided the painter Jean Carzou. Number 18 was home to Maurice Honel a deputy of the Seine. Honel was later arrested and deported to Auschwitz.
Thèophraste Renaudot himself opened the first pawnshop in Paris in 1637. He also started free medical consultations for the poor. He even published a self-diagnostic handbook. This was the first treatise on diagnosis in France.
After the deaths of his patrons Renaudot faced opposition. He lost his permission to practice medicine in Paris. Despite setbacks he was appointed Historiographer Royal to King Louis XIV.
Renaudot died in Paris in 1653. His sons continued his work promoting the use of medicine. Today the Prix Renaudot a literary award bears his name. Mark Tungate called him the first French journalist and the inventor of the personal ad.
So as you stand here on Rue Thèophraste Renaudot think about the layers of history beneath your feet. Consider the legacy of a man who changed the face of medicine journalism and public assistance. A single street a testament to a life of remarkable impact.