Place Alphonse Humbert

In 1931, Place Alphonse Humbert emerged from the heart of Paris’s 15th arrondissement. It sits at the junction of Rue du Capitaine Ménard, Rue de Javel, and Avenue Émile Zola. Place Alphonse Humbert honors Alphonse Humbert (1844-1922), a prominent figure in Parisian politics. He served as president of the Municipal Council and as a deputy for Paris. Humbert’s life was a whirlwind of activism and political turmoil. Starting as a journalist, he openly criticized the Empire, facing multiple convictions for his outspoken views. He participated in the Geneva Congress of the International in 1866. He even served time for proclaiming support for Garibaldi during a visit by Franz Joseph and Napoleon III in 1867. He was a signatory of the Blanquist manifesto “Declaration of Socialists of All Doctrines” in 1869. He also contributed to Rochefort’s La Marseillaise. During the Paris Commune, he published “Le Père Duchêne.” He was sentenced to hard labor, experiencing a portion of this sentence in New Caledonia before returning to Paris in 1879 after an amnesty. Despite having his initial election as municipal councilor for the 15th arrondissement annulled due to residency requirements, he persisted. He eventually became president of the Municipal Council and played a role in the festivities honoring Russian naval officers in 1893. His political career included terms as a deputy from 1893 to 1902. He focused on issues impacting Paris and participated in discussions about transportation plans for the 1900 Exposition. However, his anti-Dreyfusard and nationalist views ultimately led to his defeat in the 1902 elections. Place Alphonse Humbert stands as a testament to this complex and influential Parisian figure.