“Why Châteaudun?” I hear you ask. The Rue de Châteaudun in Lille is named in honor of the town of Châteaudun. This town suffered brutal reprisals against its civilian population in 1870. Prussian troops inflicted violence and destruction after the Battle of Châteaudun.
The Rue de Châteaudun is a significant street in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. It is known for its beautiful Haussmann-style buildings. These buildings reflect the architectural style popular during the mid-19th century. The street is also home to historic houses and places of worship.
At number 21 Rue de Châteaudun stands an imposing angular structure. This building showcases Art Deco design. Raymond Février designed it in 1933. A large frontal iron clock characterizes it. Renovations took place between 2017 and 2019. The building now features 11200 square meters of office space. Its dark stone base and white stone pillars give it a visual style bridging Paris and New York City.
The OS2 65 systems in painted galvanized steel enhance the building’s iron decorations. This gives the structure both solidity and elegance. The building blends well with the French capital’s charm. The Rue de Châteaudun has a rich history dating back to 1824. Initially, it was named Rue Ollivier after deputy Augustin-Charles-Alexandre Ollivier. Later it was extended and renamed Rue du Cardinal-Fesch. This honored Joseph Fesch who was Napoleon III’s uncle. Finally, the street received its current name Rue de Châteaudun. Étienne Arago the mayor of Paris made this change.
The street stretches 810 meters. It begins at 55 Rue La Fayette. It ends at 2 Place d’Estienne-d’Orves. The metro line 12 serves the street. Stations include Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and Trinité – d’Estienne d’Orves.
The Rue de Châteaudun is home to several notable buildings. These buildings add to the street’s historical and cultural importance. Number 13 Rue de Châteaudun once housed the national headquarters of the French Communist Party. The party occupied this building from 1937 to 1971. The French Militia requisitioned it in 1944. In 1956 rioters attacked the headquarters. They reacted to Soviet repression of the Budapest uprising.
The building at number 17 Rue de Châteaudun features cariatides. Charles Auguste Lebourg created these ornate sculptures in 1865. The Église Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is located at number 18. Henri Désiré Landru the serial killer lived at 22 Rue de Châteaudun. He maintained this address for his family. From 2015 to 2017 the newspaper Libération had its offices at number 23. L’Express and L’Étudiant were located at number 29 until 2017. Numbers 32-34 feature former private mansions. The city of Paris acquired them and installed a municipal crèche and social housing. The Groupe Galeries Lafayette is based at number 44.
At number 52 the Syndicat national des journalistes was founded in 1918. Jeweler Suzanne Belperron received clients by appointment only at number 59. Her friend Marcel Coard designed the private salons. The Rue de Châteaudun blends Parisian elegance with historical depth. It offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution. From Haussmann buildings to Art Deco structures the street reflects changing styles. As you stroll along this street imagine the stories within these walls. The echoes of historical figures add to its timeless charm.