Ever heard of a street so discreet it almost hides in plain sight? That is the Allée Louis Feuillade. Let’s uncover its story.
The Allée Louis Feuillade is an alley of Saint-Denis, in Seine-Saint-Denis, France. But who was Louis Feuillade? Why does this alley bear his name?
Unfortunately the available facts about Allée Louis Feuillade are few. What we do know is that it’s officially recognised. It has identifiers, which help to locate it precisely within the urban landscape.
Saint-Denis is a vibrant area just north of Paris. It is known for its rich history and cultural mix. But the allée itself seems to keep its secrets well guarded.
There is a Rue La Feuillade in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements of Paris. It was named after François III d’Aubusson. He was the Count and later Duke de La Feuillade. He served as a Marshal of France under Louis XIV.
The street Rue La Feuillade was originally named Rue des Jardins in 1685. The street was renamed in honour of La Feuillade, who initiated the Place des Victoires.
Could there be a connection between this Duke and our allée? It’s possible. The Duke de la Feuillade was a prominent figure. He was known for his military achievements and his close relationship with King Louis XIV.
He was known as a zealous courtier, and he earned both rank and charges with confidence. Louis XIV joked of him. He said: “Provided that La Feuillade grants me to be as good a gentleman as him, that is all I ask”.
He commissioned Jules Hardouin-Mansart to build the Place des Victoires in Paris. He had a statue of the monarch erected there at his own expense.
Sadly, the specifics linking him directly to this particular allée remain elusive. Perhaps further research would reveal more about the Allée Louis Feuillade.