“What’s in a name?” you might ask. The Allée Jeanne d’Arc is more than just a street. It is a testament to a legendary figure in French history. This path commemorates Joan of Arc. She was a war leader and a saint of the Catholic Church.
The Allée Jeanne d’Arc in the 13th arrondissement of Paris is almost a straight line. It stretches nearly 1.5 kilometers. The street is about 20 meters wide. It begins at Rue de Domrémy. It crosses Place Jeanne-d’Arc and Boulevards Vincent-Auriol and de l’Hôpital. It ends at Boulevard Saint-Marcel.
Originally, a portion of this street opened in 1854. It ran between Rue de Domrémy and Boulevard Vincent-Auriol. Back then, it was named “Rue de l’Église”. This name came from its proximity to the Notre-Dame de la Gare church. In 1864, it was renamed Rue Jeanne-d’Arc. Haussmann envisioned it as the main axis of a new district. This was to counterbalance the expansion of Paris to the northwest.
The street’s history continued to unfold. In 1895, it was extended to Boulevard Saint-Marcel. Later in 1913, it reached Boulevard de la Gare. This extension was made possible by the removal of the Cité Doré. Today the Federica-Montseny garden marks the street’s geographical center.
The Allée Jeanne d’Arc is not only historically significant. It also features notable buildings and memorials. At the start of the street, at the intersection with Boulevard Saint-Marcel, stands a statue of Joan of Arc.
At number 45, you will find a building with a story. In 1888, the Société Philanthropique built this affordable housing. It was the first of its kind in Paris. Chabrol, an architect from Gobelins, designed it. It served as a model for others. It had about thirty apartments around 30 square meters. The rent was very low. It was intended for workers living in poor conditions.
Numbers 71 to 77 mark the former location of the Cité Jeanne-d’Arc. Street art is visible at numbers 98, 100, and 110. Number 166 is the site of the Lycée Albert-de-Mun.
The Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans wanted to honor Joan of Arc. They chose her because she was a historical figure from Orléans. The street now stands as a lasting tribute to her legacy. The Allée Jeanne d’Arc is a reminder of Joan of Arc’s enduring impact on France. As you walk along this street, remember the story of Joan of Arc. Think about her courage and her place in French history.