Ever wondered where Parisian streets get their names? Avenue de Saintonge in the 3rd arrondissement offers a charming glimpse into the city’s planned past.
Henri IV envisioned a grand Place de France. It would be a central square with streets named after each province. Avenue de Saintonge owes its name to the old province of Saintonge. This is a small part of Henri IV’s grand vision.
Let’s walk back in time to 1626. Avenue de Saintonge was created. Initially it was fragmented. Part of it was called Rue de Touraine-au-Marais. Another section went by Rue la Marche. The final stretch already bore the name Avenue de Saintonge.
It was not until 1851 that Avenue de Saintonge became the unified name for the entire street. Before that its identity shifted with each block we passed.
In 1634 Thomas de Comans d’Astry lived on what was then Rue de Touraine-au-Marais. He was a King’s advisor. Later he built a grand house on Île Notre-Dame.
Avenue de Saintonge has witnessed many residents over the years. In 1648 Blaise Pascal and his family lived at number 13 until 1651. Pascal was a famous mathematician and philosopher. Number 19 housed François Fortuné Guyot de Fère in 1832. He managed the Journal des artistes. He also co-founded the Société libre des beaux-arts de Paris.
Even the famous Robespierre resided here. From October 1789 to July 1791 he lived at number 64. The house is no longer there today.
The Rudier foundry also made its mark on the avenue. It set up shop at number 45 in 1880. It remained there until 1934 before moving.
Avenue de Saintonge also appears on the silver screen. In the film Elle s’appelait Sarah a family lived at number 36. They were arrested during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup. This adds a layer of poignant history to the street.
Today as we stand on Avenue de Saintonge remember its layered past. From royal plans to famous residents it has a rich history. It is more than just a street. It is a reminder of Paris’s evolution. It has witnessed significant moments in history.