“Nollet,” a name echoing through Parisian streets hints at scientific history. Avenue Nollet stretches approximately 800 meters. It resides in Paris’s 17th arrondissement within the Batignolles neighborhood.
Originally named Rue Saint-Louis the Avenue Nollet’s story began before 1825. The avenue received its current name to honor Abbé Jean Antoine Nollet. He was a notable scientist and physicist from the 1700s.
Imagine the avenue in 1871 during the Paris Commune. Barricades once stood on Avenue Nollet and surrounding streets. The Versailles troops quickly overtook them. Sadly the last defenders were shot and buried in a mass grave. This grave is now the location of the bandstand in the Square des Batignolles.
In 1918 during World War I a German bomb struck number 30 Avenue Nollet. This attack occurred during a raid by German Gotha G bombers.
Now let’s stroll along the avenue and observe its notable buildings. At number 5 the artist Morèje pays tribute to Paul Verlaine. This tribute immortalizes the poet. The building at number 49 was built in 1909 by architect Georges Sinell. Its facade boasts Saint-Jacques shells and acanthus leaves. Number 53 stands out with its unique facade. Architect Jean-Alexandre Navarre designed it in 1920 with ceramicist Alexandre Bigot. Polychrome bricks and ceramic studs adorn the building.
In 2021 the artist Nelio created a large abstract mural at number 55. Further along at number 69 you might spot a mosaic artwork by the artist Invader.
Avenue Nollet has been home to many famous figures. Alfred de Vigny once rented a studio at number 1. Henri Bachelin lived in a garret at number 4 from 1902 to 1912. He was known as the hermit of Batignolles. Amédée de Noé also known as Cham lived at number 5 until his death.
Paul Verlaine spent part of his youth at number 10 then called Rue Saint-Louis. American poet Langston Hughes resided here while working at Le Grand Duc cabaret. Alfred Sisley lived at number 41 with his partner. Their son Jacques was born there. Anarchist Eugène Dieudonné lived in a boarding house at number 45. Singer Barbara spent her childhood at number 45 with her grandmother.
Pierre Chareau lived at number 54 until 1940. Nicolas de Staël also lived there. Max Jacob resided at number 55 from 1928 to 1933. He lived in what a journalist called a shoddy hotel. The doctor Madeleine Brès founded one of the first nurseries at number 83 in 1885.
Today Avenue Nollet is easily accessible. Metro lines 13, 14 and 2 serve the avenue. Several bus lines also stop nearby. These include lines 21, 28, 30, 54 and 68. Avenue Nollet blends history art and urban life. Take a walk and discover its stories. Each building and corner holds a piece of Parisian history.