“Why name a street after a moralist?” You might ask standing here at Impasse La Bruyère. The story of Impasse La Bruyère begins with a man named Jean de La Bruyère. He was a noted French moralist.
La Bruyère was celebrated for his insightful observations on human nature. His work offers an essential chronicle of 17th-century French society. But why a street named after him? Let’s delve into the history of this Parisian street.
In 1824 a company was authorized to develop this area. They planned a circular place and several streets. The entrepreneurs initially wanted to name one of the streets Rue Percier. This was in honor of Charles Percier. Percier was an architect. However he declined the honor. Thus the street was named Rue La Bruyère. It paid tribute to the philosopher Jean de La Bruyère.
Rue La Bruyère’s path was further shaped in 1839. Jean-François Boursault-Malherbe got permission to open a street. This new street aligned with Rue La Bruyère. It stretched between Rue Pigalle and Rue Blanche. Eventually Rue Boursault was merged with Rue La Bruyère.
Rue La Bruyère has been home to many notable figures and places. At number 2 you will find La Petite Loge. It is one of Paris’s smallest theaters. It has only 25 seats. Once it was just an abandoned conference room. Two comedians transformed it in 1943.
At number 5 stands the Théâtre La Bruyère. This theater began as a conference hall. Young comedians took it over in 1943. They turned it into a vibrant theater. Robert Dhéry and his “Branquignols” made it trendy.
Daniel Iffla also lived on Rue La Bruyère. He was a philanthropist also known as Osiris. His private mansion was at number 8. He owned four other buildings nearby. You can see his initials at number 7.
Auguste Renoir lived at number 26 from 1896 to 1902. A commemorative plaque marks his former residence. Jean Cocteau spent his childhood at number 45. His grandparents owned a hotel there. The poet recalled his youth on Rue La Bruyère in his book “Opium.”
Marceline Desbordes Valmore one of France’s great poets lived at number 8 for two years. She published a novel “Violette”. She also published a poetry collection “Pauvres Fleurs” while living here.
Rue La Bruyère continues to inspire artists and thinkers. It stands as a testament to Paris’s rich cultural history. The street named after a moralist has become a place of art theater and memory. So next time you wander through this area remember the layers of history beneath your feet.