Did you know that Impasse Carnot in Paris wasn’t always called that? The story of this street is intertwined with French history. It is also connected to prominent figures. Today, we stand at the entrance to Impasse Carnot.
Originally, part of what is now Impasse Carnot was built in 1840. It was extended in 1854. This was to create symmetry around the Place de l’Étoile. Finally, it reached its current length of 300 meters in 1867.
For a time, it was known as Avenue d’Essling. This name however did not last. In 1880, it was renamed Avenue Carnot. It was named after Lazare Nicolas Marguerite Carnot.
Who was Lazare Carnot? He was a general, statesman, and scientist. More importantly, Carnot was a regicide. He voted for the execution of King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. He was also the victorious general at the Battle of Wattignies in 1793. This battle ended a series of defeats for the French revolutionary armies.
The politicians of the Third Republic wanted to reaffirm their republicanism. Naming the street after Carnot was a deliberate choice. It honored a figure who embodied the ideals of the Revolution.
But that’s not all. Impasse Carnot also has literary connections. From 1899 to 1904, Louis Aragon’s mother, Marguerite Toucas, ran a boarding house at number 20. This provided income for her, her mother, and young Louis. It is thought that Aragon’s father purchased the business for Marguerite.
At 19, Aragon learned that the woman he knew as his mother was actually his grandmother. The woman he believed was his sister was actually his mother.
In 1900, Impasse Carnot was a wealthy street. The avenue had motor cars and delivery routes. Imagine the bustle of daily life here at that time.
Today, as we stand here at Impasse Carnot, we can reflect on its rich history. It is a story of revolution, republicanism, and literary connections. It reminds us that even a short street can have a long and fascinating past.