Have you ever wondered why a street in Paris is named after a 16th-century French agriculturalist? We’re standing, right now, on Rue Olivier de Serres in the 15th arrondissement, and that’s exactly who it’s named after. This street, like so many others in Paris, has a rich history that weaves together different periods and events.
This street in the vibrant heart of the 15th arrondissement was initially part of a much larger area called the “chemin de la Chapelle”. The “chemin de la Chapelle” was a road that was built in the 17th century and it connected the village of Vaugirard to the city of Paris. This road wasn’t always called “chemin de la Chapelle”. It was once known as the “ruelle de la Procession.” In 1860, when the commune of Vaugirard was annexed by Paris, there was already another “Rue des Tournelles” in the city. This street, though, changed its name to reflect its past, the people of Paris, and the history of this part of the city. In 1865, the “chemin de la Poterne” was also incorporated into this now-wider, more significant street.
Why Olivier de Serres? Well, he was more than just a Frenchman who loved dirt and growing things. He was a pioneering agriculturalist, known as the “father of French agriculture,” and his work revolutionized farming practices in France. His ideas on crop rotation and soil management were groundbreaking and made their way across the globe. Although he died long before the street’s name change, he’s a reminder that the beauty of Paris can be found not only in its historic buildings but also in the everyday spaces that represent important figures and achievements from the past.