Perhaps you’ve heard tales of streets named after flowers. Avenue des Violettes is named not for the flower but for a person. Let’s uncover the story behind this Parisian street.
Avenue des Violettes owes its name to Lèonard Violet. He was a municipal councillor of the former commune of Vaugirard. More importantly, he was an entrepreneur. Violet purchased land and divided it into lots between 1824 and 1829. This area stretched south of the current Boulevard de Grenelle. It extended between Rue de la Croix-Nivert and the Seine. His vision shaped much of this neighborhood.
Originally, Rue Violet extended to Place Dupleix. In 1877, a portion was detached. The section between Place Dupleix and Boulevard de Grenelle became Rue Dupleix. Rue Violet begins at Boulevard de Grenelle now. It ends at Place Violet. It intersects with Rue des Entrepreneurs.
As you walk along Avenue des Violettes note its surroundings. You will see the street borders Square Violet and Square de la Place du Commerce. Number 12 marks the location of a small house. Lèonard Violet passed away here in 1881.
At number 40 was the first town hall of Grenelle. Monsieur Juge, the first mayor chose this location. The adjoining land allowed him to build Grenelle’s first school. Sadly this building is now destroyed. Further down the street at numbers 42-44 lies the Congregation Sœurs-Saint-Paul. Number 45 is mentioned in the San-Antonio detective novels.
Continuing along Avenue des Violettes you’ll find more historical points. Number 57 houses the mother house of the religious congregation. It is called the Petites Sœurs de l’Assomption. Opposite the old town hall at number 60 stood the former Violet Street clinic. The actor Gérard Philipe was operated on here. This was shortly before his death in 1959. The former Grenelle town hall is located at number 69. It is a classified historical monument.
Numbers 75-77 mark the site of the chemist Anselme Payen’s house. It became the Payen asylum in 1874 after his death. His daughter made this decision. The painter Edmond Heuzé was born at number 87. He was a member of the Institut de France and a professor. He taught at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts.
Avenue des Violettes boasts other notable features. You will find a nursery school at number 38. The Congregation is at numbers 42-44. The former town hall stands at number 69.
Avenue des Violettes tells a story of development and community. From its namesake’s vision to its notable residents. The avenue is a microcosm of Parisian life. It showcases how a single individual can leave an enduring mark on a city. As you continue your exploration reflect on the layers of history beneath your feet. Avenue des Violettes is more than just a street. It’s a testament to Paris’s rich and multifaceted past.