“Constantine,” a name echoing through time graces this street. Today we explore the Rue de Constantine in Paris. This street in the 7th arrondissement of Paris stretches 330 meters. It runs from the Rue de l’Université to the Rue de Grenelle.
Originally named Rue d’Austerlitz from 1806 to 1815, it later became Esplanade des Invalides. The street received its current name by decree. This was to honor Constantine. Constantine is a significant city in French Algeria. It was the capital of the Constantine department.
Interestingly, this isn’t the only Rue de Constantine Paris has known. There used to be others. One was on the Île de la Cité. It eventually became Rue de Lutèce. Another was in the Goutte-d’Or neighborhood. It merged into Rue Myrha in 1868. A third in Belleville is now Rue des Maronites. A fourth one became Rue Vercingétorix in 1873.
Now let’s talk about the notable buildings along the Rue de Constantine. At number 3, architect André Granet passed away. Number 5 once housed the Canadian Cultural Centre. Businessman Adrien Labi bought it in 2015. The British Council resides at number 9. The University of London Institute in Paris is at number 11.
The former Hôtel Beistegui is at number 19. It served as the Government Information Service until 2018. Since 2020, the High Commissariat for Planning has been located here. The Court of Justice of the Republic sits at number 21.
A plaque at number 23 commemorates Robert Esnault-Pelterie. He was an aeronautical engineer who lived here. Opposite this address, Paris’ first underground public parking opened in 1964. The building at number 27 was built around 1950. The residence of the Colombian Ambassador to France is at number 29. The embassy itself is on Rue de l’Élysée.
This street once housed many distinguished figures. These included the Count of Haussonville and the Countess of Fitz-James. The Marquis of Biron and the Duke of Gramont also lived here. The Duke of Mouchy’s residence later became Charles de Beistegui’s hotel. The Prime Minister’s services occupied it. The Canadian Cultural Centre and the British Council now occupy some of these buildings. These buildings are listed as historical monuments.
Charles de Beistegui, a decorator, and Boni de Castellane, a dandy and politician, were among the residents. Rosalie von Gutmann, an aristocrat, also called this street home. As we conclude our exploration of the Rue de Constantine remember its layered past. The street’s name echoes through the streets of Paris.