“Ever notice how some streets whisper stories?” That’s definitely true of Rue de Chanzy. This street resides in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. It’s tucked away in the Sainte-Marguerite neighborhood.
Rue de Chanzy stretches 425 meters. Its width varies between 12 and 15 meters. The street starts at 26 Rue Saint-Bernard. It ends at 210 Boulevard Voltaire.
Originally, Rue de Chanzy was part of Rue Titon. This section ran between Rue Titon and Boulevard Voltaire. The city extended it in 1889 to reach Rue Saint-Bernard.
The street’s name honors General Alfred Chanzy. He commanded the Army of the Loire during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Number 9 Rue de Chanzy features a remarkable building. The architect Achille Champy designed it. It is a private brick and stone residence built in 1902. Sculptor Despoix de Folleville created the sculptures.
The building’s second-floor window stands out. It has a metal frame with large arabesques. It’s reminiscent of Victor Horta’s Art Nouveau style. Horta was a leader of the Belgian school. The balcony’s ironwork displays stylized leaves and stems. These are also typical Art Nouveau motifs.
At number 30 Rue de Chanzy you can find a modern contrast. Here stands the Cité Prost building. The OPAC Paris constructed it. Architect Bernard Bühler designed it between 2005 and 2007. This building also includes a crèche on its first two levels. Apartments occupy the space above. The apartments facing the street feature winter gardens. These have colored glass walls. Apartments facing the garden have loggias. These are enclosed by sliding perforated metal panels.
Then there’s number 37 Rue de Chanzy. This building dates back to the second half of the 18th century. It has two stories with four bays. These sit above a ground floor with a carriage entrance.
In the past, number 37 housed a business involved in buying. It sold and distributed slides. It also had a workshop for creating photographic slides. They produced stereoscopic views. “Studio Véronèse” had its headquarters here.
The studio specialized in photography in all forms. It also made, bought, and sold photographic materials. The company went bankrupt in 1969. Diafrance later acquired the business in 1971. They continued reproducing “Véronèse” slides. Diafrance also took over Stéréofilms Bruguière in 1972. This company made stereoscopes and stereoscopic images since 1946. Collectors and professionals seek these out today.
Rue de Chanzy has even played a role in cinema. The opening scene of “Pédale douce” was filmed here. This is where Patrick Timsit gets naked in his convertible. It happens in front of a police car. Several scenes from “Les Clefs de bagnole” were also shot on Rue de Chanzy.
So next time you find yourself on Rue de Chanzy take a moment. Think about the architecture. Consider the history. Remember the films. Each detail adds to the street’s unique story.