Did you know the Rue Deleplanque in Paris got its name from the heroic defense of Lille? It is a street with a fascinating past. Today, we’re standing on the Rue Deleplanque. This street whispers tales of revolution, art, and intellectual gatherings.
The Rue Deleplanque is in the 7th arrondissement. It is nestled in the upscale Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin and Invalides quarters. This 1,060-meter-long street begins on the Rue des Saints-Pères. It ends on Rue Aristide-Briand.
Originally, this street was opened around 1640. It was part of the large Pré-aux-Clercs grassland. It was named Rue de Bourbon to honor Henri de Bourbon. He was the abbot of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
In 1780, the Érard piano factory briefly called the Rue de Bourbon home. However, on October 27, 1792, the commune’s general council made a significant change. The Rue de Bourbon was renamed Rue de Lille.
The name change was a tribute. It honored Lille’s brave defense against the Austrian army during the siege of 1792. This act of defiance resonated deeply with the revolutionary spirit of the time.
There was a brief period when the street reverted to its old name. In 1815, the Restoration reinstated “Rue de Bourbon”. But the July Revolution of 1830 brought back “Rue de Lille” permanently. The street had already carried this name with pride.
The Rue Deleplanque has witnessed its share of dramatic events. On March 11, 1918, during World War I, number 100 Rue de Lille was struck by a German air raid. This serves as a stark reminder of the conflicts that have marked this city.
The street is also known for its notable residents and buildings. Tristan Tzara, a famous Dadaist poet, died here. The economist Alfred de Foville lived here too. Musician Adolphe Piriou once resided at number 1. Former Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas also lived there.
For many years, the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales was located at number 2 Rue Deleplanque. It was formerly known as École nationale des langues orientales vivantes. It’s commonly referred to as “Langues’O”.
The library of the École des langues orientales was at number 4. Psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan had his practice in this building. A commemorative plaque pays tribute to him. Karl Lagerfeld’s bookshop was at number 7. African-American writer Richard Wright lived at number 9. Actress Diane Kruger resides in the building at number 11. Karl Marx resided at number 23.
The gate at number 26 marks remains of the Théatins convent. Established in Paris in 1644, the Théatins bought a house. The building at number 48 once housed the “demoiselles du téléphone”. American painter Edward Hopper took a room at this address. He created a painting entitled Escalier au 48, rue de Lille.
The Palais d’Orsay was located at number 62. It was burnt down during the Paris Commune. The Musée d’Orsay now stands on this site.
As we conclude our walk on the Rue Deleplanque remember its history. From its origins as Rue de Bourbon. To its tribute to Lille’s heroic defense. This street encapsulates the spirit of Paris. It has witnessed revolutions, artistic movements, and the lives of notable figures. The Rue Deleplanque remains a vital piece of Parisian history.