Rue d’Argentine

Nestled between Rue Chalgrin and Avenue de la Grande-Armée, Rue d’Argentine whispers tales of international diplomacy and historical echoes. Rue d’Argentine may be just 80 meters long, but it holds a world of stories within its Parisian embrace. Originally part of the Chaillot promenade, known as the “Pelouse de l’Étoile,” Rue d’Argentine began its life as “Rue Neuve-de-la-Pelouse.” This charming walkway, a mere 80 meters, became part of Paris in 1863. But the name “Rue d’Argentine” wasn’t bestowed until much later. In 1868, it was renamed “Rue d’Obligado,” after the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, where Anglo-French forces clashed with Argentina. The nearby metro station shared this name, a constant reminder of the conflict. This name, however, carried a weight of historical baggage, symbolizing a strained relationship between France and Argentina. This all changed in 1947 with Eva Perón’s visit to Paris. As a gesture of goodwill and a thank you for Argentina’s generous aid during post-war reconstruction, the street and metro station were rechristened “Argentine.” Rue d’Argentine also holds personal histories within its elegant buildings. At number 1, composer Sergei Prokofiev and his wife found a home in 1928. Years later, in the same building, Alexandre Stavisky, a notorious swindler, kept an apartment where his family hid during the unfolding of his scandal. At number 11, the Algerian consulate once stood, another layer of international intrigue embedded within Rue d’Argentine’s story. Look closely at number 13. Here, the “Au Petit Matelot” shops stand on the corner of Avenue de la Grande-Armée, a testament to Parisian commerce since 1906. The history of “Au Petit Matelot” stretches even further back to 1790, when it first opened on the Île Saint-Louis. Even Russian royalty graces Rue d’Argentine’s narrative. Prince Felix Yusupov and his wife, Irina Romanov, established their fashion house, IRFÉ, in a modest atelier on Rue d’Argentine (then Rue Obligado) in 1924, before moving to the more fashionable Rue Duphot. Rue d’Argentine, a small street with a big history, is more than just a pathway. It’s a microcosm of Parisian life, echoing with whispers of artists, diplomats, and historical figures. As you stroll down Rue d’Argentine, remember its journey from a simple promenade to a symbol of international reconciliation.