Did you know that the Rue de Crosne in Rouen owes its name to a man who lost his head during the French Revolution? It is a rather grim origin for such an ordinary street. But it is a reminder that history often lurks in the most unexpected corners.
Welcome to the Rue de Crosne. This 200-meter-long street connects Place du Vieux-Marché to Boulevard des Belges. It is located on the right bank of Rouen.
Originally, the street was called Grande rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu. During the French Revolution, it was temporarily named after Louis Thiroux de Crosne. He was a magistrate. He also served as the lieutenant general of police in Paris. In addition, he was the intendant of the generality of Normandy in Rouen.
Louis Thiroux de Crosne’s life took a tragic turn. Born in Paris in 1736, he was guillotined in April 1794 during the Reign of Terror. The street’s name serves as a memento of his life and death.
The Rue de Crosne once extended to Rue de Lecat. However, its length was shortened west of Boulevard des Belges. Since 1951, the extended part has been named Avenue Gustave-Flaubert.
Speaking of Flaubert, the Rue de Crosne holds memories of the author of Madame Bovary. It also evokes figures like Fontenelle, Géricault, and André Gide. These famous people once lived here.
Several buildings along the Rue de Crosne are historically significant. Number 15 is the former residence of architect Édouard Dagnet. The wrought iron gate depicts Paul and Virginie. These figures are from Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s novel. The corner of Rue Fontenelle displays sculpted medallions. These medallions feature busts of Rouen personalities. Among them are Fontenelle, Armand Carrel, and Abraham Duquesne. Others include Casimir Delavigne, the painter Géricault, and General Fleurus Duvivier. Louis Thiroux de Crosne is also featured.
Several hotels on the street are listed as historical monuments. These include numbers 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 28. Pierre Le Verdier lived at numbers 20 and 22. Charles Besselièvre resided at number 24. Pierre Derocque lived at number 26.
The Rue de Crosne offers a glimpse into Rouen’s past. It combines revolutionary history, literary connections, and architectural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history within this short street.