“Rue de Rémusat,” Barbara once sang. It echoes even now. This street in Paris holds more than just addresses. It holds stories. Rue de Rémusat is in the 16th arrondissement. It stretches 230 meters.
The street starts at Place de Barcelone. It ends at a crossroads with Avenue Théophile-Gautier. You will also find Rue George-Sand there. Rue Leconte-de-Lisle and Place Paul-Beauregard also meet there. Less than 30 buildings line this street. Plane trees provide shade.
The street’s name honors Charles de Rémusat. He was a French politician and writer. Before 1801, it was part of Grande-Rue. For a time, it was known as Rue Molière. Later, it was called Rue d’Auteuil.
Look to the east. Rue de Rémusat aligns perfectly with Pont Mirabeau.
At numbers 1-7, note the building. Jacques Carlu and Henri Mathé designed it in 1963. Number 2 housed ISTH and Prépa COMMERCIA-Prépa HEC. At the western end, the street meets Place Paul-Beauregard.
Now, let’s focus on number 14. Arletty lived here from 1969 until her death in 1992. She often ate at Le Hameau d’Auteuil. This restaurant on Place de Barcelone no longer exists.
Barbara also lived here from 1961 to 1968. She left after her mother’s death. This inspired her song “Rémusat” in 1972. She wrote some of her biggest hits here. “Le mal de vivre,” “Attendez que ma joie revienne,” and “À mourir pour mourir” were all created in her seventh-floor apartment. Georges Moustaki often visited. He wrote “La Dame brune” there for Barbara’s album.
Look at number 21. It stands at the intersection with Avenue Léon-Heuzey. This Italian-style building was designed by Robert Danis in 1913. It is now the Rémusat clinic.
At number 31, you’ll see an eight-story building. Henry Auffret designed it in 1958. It overlooks 55-57 Avenue Théophile-Gautier.
At the intersection with Place de Barcelone, find a Wallace fountain. It is one of the few remaining colonnette models.
In October 1961, Barbara had keys to her first apartment. She moved her black piano in. The apartment had a living room, kitchen and bedroom. Large windows opened to a terrace. She decorated with heavy drapes. Barbara rarely invited the press in. However, she welcomed television crews twice.
Here, Barbara wrote new songs. Melodies filled her nights. To avoid disturbing neighbors, she recorded ideas. “A mourir pour mourir”, “Le mal de vivre” and “Attendez que ma joie revienne” were composed here. “Nantes” was also finished here.
Fans sometimes waited for her outside. She discovered a fire escape to avoid them.
From the late 1990s, the buildings at 6, 10, 12 and 14 Rue de Rémusat underwent major renovations and became known as Résidence Rémusat.
Rue de Rémusat is more than just a street. It is a stage where life’s dramas have unfolded. Barbara’s music still echoes here. Arletty’s presence lingers. Take a moment to remember them as you pass by.