“Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec? A name worth remembering.” This Allée Toulouse-Lautrec in Paris is named for the famed French painter. It is a tribute to his life and art. This street sits in the 17th arrondissement.
Allée Toulouse-Lautrec begins at 47 Avenue de la Porte-de-Saint-Ouen. It ends at Rue Lafontaine in Saint-Ouen. Rue Fructidor also marks its end. The street is about 180 meters long. It is about 10 meters wide.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec lived from 1864 to 1901. He found refuge in art due to early disabilities. He moved to Montmartre after settling in Paris. His homes were near Rue Fontaine, Rue Caulaincourt and Avenue Frochot. He never strayed far from Butte Montmartre.
The artist is closely tied to Montmartre’s festive places. Bohemian artists, joyful women, and aristocrats gathered there. Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized these night figures. He used iconic spots like the Chat Noir and Moulin Rouge as his settings.
Toulouse-Lautrec also lived on Rue Caulaincourt from 1887 to 1893. He moved there with his friend Dr. Henry Bourges. During this time he painted many scenes of bohemian Montmartre. This included local prostitutes.
The Moulin Rouge commissioned Toulouse-Lautrec to create posters in 1889. They displayed his works and gave him a reserved table. Sadly drink took a toll on him and he died in 1901 at age 36.
This Allée Toulouse-Lautrec we stand on now has its own history. It partially follows the old Rue Toulouse-Lautrec. That street was removed during the construction of the Boulevard Périphérique.
The street was created in 1969. It was temporarily called “voie W/17”. The street got its current name by decree on October 21, 1974. The north side of the street marks Saint-Ouen’s boundary.
So, as you walk this Allée Toulouse-Lautrec remember the artist. Think of his life and art in Montmartre. Imagine the bohemian world he captured. His legacy lives on in this Parisian street.