Avenue Rabelais

“Ever heard of a street named after a giant?” I ask. Avenue Rabelais in Paris is named after François Rabelais. He was a famous writer. Rabelais is known for his humorous and satirical novels Gargantua and Pantagruel. These books feature giant characters. They are full of witty dialogue. The stories are quite bawdy. Rabelais was a Renaissance man. He was a physician. He was a humanist. He even studied law. His life was far from ordinary. He was a Franciscan friar. He became a Benedictine. He later even became a secular priest. Rabelais was a controversial figure. His work contained religious satire. It also had scatological humor. This made him a target of persecution. Despite this he enjoyed protection from powerful patrons. He had friends among high-ranking ecclesiastics. Rabelais’s novels are filled with rich Renaissance French. They showcase his wide-ranging vocabulary. They are also notable for their comedy. This ranges from burlesque to profound satire. The stories are full of popular legends. They also include farces. They even borrow from classical and Italian material. His books were popular. They were read by both court and learned audiences. Avenue Rabelais is a relatively short street. It measures about 118 meters long. It’s located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It runs between Avenue Matignon and Rue Jean-Mermoz. The street was originally called Ruelle Rousselet. It existed as far back as 1769. It was eventually renamed in 1850. Number 2 on Avenue Rabelais houses the Jockey Club. This is a high-society club. It is one of the oldest in Paris. This street’s name serves as a reminder of a brilliant and eccentric writer. A man who lived a fascinating and complex life. So next time you’re in Paris. Take a stroll down Avenue Rabelais. Imagine the stories Rabelais might have told. If only the walls could talk. They might share some amazing anecdotes.