“Berzelius,” a name whispered with respect. It echoes through this Parisian street. Rue Berzelius stretches before us a 300-meter testament to history and scientific achievement. It is located in the 17th arrondissement.
This street owes its name to Jöns Jacob Berzelius. He was a Swedish chemist from the late 1700s to mid 1800s. Imagine him walking these very streets perhaps in spirit.
Rue Berzelius wasn’t always known by this distinguished name. It was once divided into two parts each with its own identity. The first section between Avenue de Clichy and Rue de La Jonquière was originally named Rue Saint-Germain. This name came about under an order. It was located in the former commune of Batignolles. A decree later integrated this part into the Parisian road network.
The second section stretched from Rue de La Jonquière to Rue du Colonel-Manhès. It was created in 1863. This segment was known as Rue Saint-Germain-Prolongée.
Later decrees unified these sections under a new banner. Rue Saint-Germain became Rue Berzelius. Rue Saint-Germain-Prolongée then became Rue Berzelius-Prolongée.
There was a further change. The part of Rue Berzelius-Prolongée parallel to the Petite Ceinture line was incorporated into Rue du Colonel-Manhès. A municipal order finalized the naming. Rue Berzelius-Prolongée was renamed Rue Berzelius.
Today Rue Berzelius ends at the Petite Ceinture line. This former railway line encircles Paris. The street has witnessed many changes.
While standing here consider the blend of history and science. Rue Berzelius is not just a street. It’s a journey through time. It also serves as a tribute to a great scientific mind. A nearby passage also carries the Berzelius name. The Passage Berzelius connects Rue Berzelius and Rue Pouchet.