Flooded in 1910. That’s the image that first springs to mind when thinking of Rue Fresnel. Picture this narrow Parisian street submerged under the icy polluted waters of the Seine. Boats carrying rescuers navigate its flooded length.
Rue Fresnel a small street in the 16th arrondissement of Paris holds a fascinating history. Named in 1877 it honors the engineer and physicist Auguste Fresnel. Fresnel was famous for his work on lighthouses and lenses. His innovations saved countless lives at sea.
Before Rue Fresnel existed the area housed the Cail workshops. Here around 600 Crampton locomotives were assembled. The street itself opened in 1869. It was initially called Rue de Versailles. This industrial past is a significant part of Rue Fresnel’s story. The Cail factory was a major industrial player employing 1500 workers in the 1850s. A fire in 1865 destroyed the factory. The site was then redeveloped. Rue Fresnel and Rue Foucault were created on this land. The grand hotels of Avenue d’Iena overlook Rue Fresnel. Their back facades line the street. The Shangri-La Hotel Paris for example occupies the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte.
Today Rue Fresnel is a quieter place. It connects the Trocadero gardens to the Palais de Tokyo. These locations were inaugurated for the 1937 International Exposition. The Palais de Tokyo and Palais de Chaillot are nearby. The Avenue du President Wilson is also close to Rue Fresnel. Its aerial nature is hidden behind the Palais de Tokyo. From Rue Fresnel you can see the supporting pillars of the avenue.
The 1910 flood was a major event. Water levels reached 8.62 meters. Only the 1658 flood surpassed it reaching 8.81 meters. Twenty-two thousand cellars were flooded. Hundreds of streets were inundated. Rue Fresnel was badly affected due to its proximity to the Seine. This historical event helps us imagine the challenges faced by residents of Rue Fresnel.
Today Rue Fresnel is a peaceful residential street. It offers a glimpse into Parisian history. Its past is marked by industrial might and natural disaster. This contrasts sharply with its current tranquil atmosphere. It’s a reminder that even small Parisian streets hold incredible stories. Rue Fresnel is a captivating example of this.