Why does the name Jules Sandeau echo faintly in the grand boulevards of Paris? Rue Jules Sandeau in the 16th arrondissement is named after a writer. He was popular in the 19th century. Yet, he now resides in the purgatory of forgotten literary figures.
Jules Sandeau was born in 1811. He died in Paris in 1883. For thirty years, he worked and lived in Paris.
Perhaps his most enduring claim to fame is his association with George Sand. They were lovers. They co-wrote a novel titled Rose et Blanche. It appeared in 1831. They signed it Jules Sand. Aurore Dupin later became George Sand. She found it convenient to keep the Sand pseudonym. She added the masculine George to it. Thus, George Sand became famous. Jules Sandeau faded somewhat into the background.
Before his entanglement with George Sand, Jules Sandeau served as Balzac’s secretary for about two years. Later, Sandeau published sixteen novels of varying quality. His most celebrated work is Mademoiselle de la Seiglière. Its theatrical adaptation premiered at the Comédie-Française in 1851. Another notable work is La Roche aux Mouettes. It is set in Le Pouliguen. This seaside resort was gaining popularity. Sandeau was a pioneer in choosing sea bathing as the subject of his novel.
Sandeau’s plays met with considerable success. He co-wrote Le Gendre de Monsieur Poirier with Émile Augier. It was performed 803 times at the Comédie-Française.
His renown led to his election to the Académie Française in 1858. He occupied the eleventh seat. Later occupants included Maurice Garçon, Paul Morand, and Alain Peyrefitte. His fame explains why an avenue in the 16th arrondissement bears his name. Émile Augier, François Ponsard, and Octave Feuillet also have streets named after them. They, too, are largely forgotten today.
From 1853, Jules Sandeau was the curator of the Bibliothèque Mazarine. He held this position for thirty years. It came with an official residence. It was located in the Institut de France. He died there in 1883.
The Boulevard Jules Sandeau is in the 16th arrondissement. It begins at 2, rue Octave-Feuillet. It ends at 5, place Tattegrain. This is at the intersection with avenue Henri-Martin. The street was created in 1893. It was on the site of the former flower garden of La Muette. It was named after Jules Sandeau in 1894.
Several notable buildings line the Boulevard Jules Sandeau. At the corner of rue Octave-Feuillet stands a building completed in 1953. The architect was José Imbert. Number 11 bis is a building constructed in 1909. Albert Sélonier was the architect. His signature is on the facade.
Maurice Fouret lived at 15 bis from 1949 to 1962. A commemorative plaque honors him. Jérôme Doucet also lived in the same building. He lived there until his death in 1957. Prince Nicolas of Greece lived with his family at number 29 in the 1930s.
Christian Dior’s townhouse was located at number 7. It was built in 1904. Dior bought it in 1950. After his death in Italy, his body was returned there. The vestibule was transformed into a funeral chapel.
So, as you stroll along Rue Jules Sandeau, remember the writer. Remember his connection to George Sand and Balzac. Remember the echoes of a once-celebrated name.