Have you ever wondered about streets named after remarkable women? Rue Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond in Paris is one such street. It holds a story of abbesses and transformations. Let’s explore its history.
Rue Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond is in the 9th arrondissement. It’s named after Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond. She was an Abbess of Montmartre. She lived from 1659 to 1717. The street got its name in 2021. Before that, it was simply Rue de Bellefond.
This street has a unique feature. It passes over Rue Pierre-Semard. Imagine walking above another street.
The street’s story began around 1650. It was on land belonging to the Abbey of Montmartre. For a time, it was known as Rue Jolivet. It was also called Chemin de la Nouvelle-France. By 1721, it received its current designation.
Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond was quite influential. As abbess, she managed the abbey’s finances. The community sold property under her direction. This was to pay off debts. Even the seigneury of Clignancourt was involved.
The street once bordered Paris. In 1739, the Rue Belle-Font marked the city’s edge. It didn’t yet reach Rue du Faubourg-Poissonnière.
In the 19th century, things got confusing. The name Rue Jolivet reappeared. Rue de Bellefond was used for Rue de la Tour-d’Auvergne.
An interesting detail connects the abbess to royalty. The daughter of the Duke of Orléans was one of her boarders. The Regent herself had an apartment at the abbey. She went there for religious devotion.
Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond passed away in 1717. She was 58 years old. Marguerite de Rochechouart succeeded her as abbess.
The street’s story includes interesting residents. Around 1780, a master mason built a house. Later owners included playwrights and a baron. The street has seen many changes. It reflects Paris’s evolving history.
So, as you stroll along Rue Marie-Éléonore de Bellefond remember the abbess. Consider the street’s transformations over time. It’s a small piece of Paris. It connects us to the city’s rich past.