Rue des Vieilles Vignes

“A street named after old vines?” you might wonder, as we stand before Rue des Vieilles Vignes. This charming street in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, Rue des Vieilles Vignes, whispers tales of a bygone era. Rue des Vieilles Vignes began its life humbly. In the 16th century, it was known as “Ruelle Saint-Pol”. It ran alongside the Château de Passy. By 1730, reflecting the area’s viticultural past, it became known as “Chemin des Vignes”, connecting Rue Basse to La Muette. Rue des Vieilles Vignes wasn’t always its official name. It briefly bore the name “Rue Houdon” in 1875 before finally becoming Rue des Vieilles Vignes in 1877. This quiet street holds hidden gems. Number 2 marks a secondary entrance to the Lycée Saint-Jean-de-Passy. At number 5, the Théâtre Le Ranelagh awaits, ready to transport you to another world. Rue des Vieilles Vignes also housed notable figures. The renowned composer Gabriel Fauré resided at number 32 from 1911 until his death in 1924. A commemorative plaque marks his presence. Further down, at number 73, a plaque honors chemist Édouard Bénédictus, who passed away there in 1930. The painter Louis Anquetin called number 75 home from 1906. Interestingly, number 85 plays a role in cinematic history. Though a fictional address (the actual numbering stops at 77), it served as the supposed location of a French secret service apartment in the 1972 film “Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire”. Rue des Vieilles Vignes, a seemingly ordinary street, reveals its rich history upon closer inspection.