Is it possible that such a quiet street holds secrets of art and history? Rue de la Fontaine Varenne does. It is not directly related to the famous fabulist Jean de la Fontaine. The street’s name comes from a simple fountain. This fountain provided drinking water to Parisians for centuries.
Rue de la Fontaine Varenne boasts an Art Nouveau atmosphere. The style is marked by Hector Guimard’s Metro entrances. However, the Castel Béranger best describes it. It is located at number 14. Its addition in 1898 assured the street’s reputation. Art Nouveau had taken root with its stylized floral volutes.
Today, stop at number 17. Café Antoine has managed to preserve several Art Nouveau tiled floors. Further along, la rue Agar cultivates a floral theme. You can see it in the lettering of its street sign. Marcel Proust was born in this street at number 96.
But let’s turn to another Rue de Varenne in the 7th arrondissement. This street is not be confused with Rue de la Fontaine Varenne. This Rue de Varenne is a significant road in the 7th arrondissement. It is known for its rich collection of 18th-century hôtels particuliers. Many of these buildings were documented in Mariette’s or Blondel’s collections.
The Rue de Varenne stretches 930 meters. It begins at Rue de la Chaise. It ends at Boulevard des Invalides. Several government buildings are on this street. These include Hôtel Matignon. It serves as the residence and office of the Prime Minister. Hôtel de Villeroy is also here. It houses the Ministry of Agriculture. The Italian Embassy in France is another notable building. The Musée Rodin is located at the corner of Boulevard des Invalides.
The origin of the name “Varenne” is debated. One theory suggests it comes from a “varenne” or “garenne.” This refers to uncultivated land rich in game. Thus, it would be a hunting reserve. Another theory links it to an abbot of Varennes. People like Mathieu Perrot or Jacob de Nuchez are possible. Perhaps it is named after a lord of Varennes. One possibility is Florent de Varennes. He was an admiral of France. It certainly does not commemorate the arrest of King Louis XVI.
The Rue de Varenne was formed from two roads. They were united under the same name by a ministerial decree. In the early 17th century, the street extended to Rue de la Chaise. Raphaël de la Planche established a tapestry factory there in 1607. Around 1640, the section between Rue de la Chaise and Rue du Bac became Rue de la Planche. A ministerial decision in the late 18th century set the width of this public road at 9 meters. Later, it was increased to 10.30 meters. Eventually, Rue de la Planche was reunited with Rue de Varenne.
During World War I, a shell exploded at 58 Rue de Varenne. Number 18 was the studio of painter Charles-Henri Michel. At number 19, the Hôtel de Chantérac offered shelter during bombings. Louis Veuillot died at number 21. He had lived there since 1872.
Many notable figures have lived on Rue de Varenne. The Comtesse de Ségur lived at number 48. Edith Wharton lived at number 53. Virginie Hériot and Pierre Janet lived at number 54. Louis Aragon and Elsa Triolet worked and lived at number 56. André Jolivet lived at number 59. Gabriel Parès lived at number 86. Each building holds stories.
The Hôtel Matignon at number 57 serves as the official residence of the French Prime Minister. This street is full of history. From tapestries to prime ministers, Rue de Varenne has seen it all.