Rue Lafontaine

Had Jean de La Fontaine known a street would bear his name, would he have frequented it more? Rue Lafontaine, a charming street in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, whispers tales of the past. Rue Lafontaine began as two separate entities. The first, rue de la Tuilerie, stretched from Place du Docteur-Hayem to rue Gros. The second, simply rue de la Fontaine, continued on to rue d’Auteuil. Its name, even then, hinted at the presence of a fountain or spring, a vital resource in the old village of Auteuil. These two streets, once divided, merged to honor the famed poet who once wandered this very area. Rue Lafontaine holds more than just the poet’s legacy. It cradles architectural gems. Nestled within its embrace is Castel Béranger at numbers 14-16, a testament to Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau vision. Further down, at number 60, stands Hôtel Mezzara, another Guimard masterpiece built for a textile industrialist. This grand hôtel particulier, with its lush garden, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance. The street also echoes with the melodies of aspiring musicians. The Conservatoire Municipal du 16e arrondissement resides at number 11. Rue Lafontaine continues to surprise. At number 27, the phantom of the Grande Vacherie d’Auteuil lingers. This establishment, once a vital source of fresh milk for Paris, offered a unique remedy for respiratory ailments. Inhaling the warm air from the stables below, sufferers sought relief in the rooms above. At number 32, the watchful gaze of Joan of Arc graces the top of Villa Jeanne d’Arc, a tribute to the French heroine. And at number 96, a plaque marks the birthplace of Marcel Proust, a testament to the street’s literary connections. Rue Lafontaine, a street of contrasts and hidden stories, invites you to explore its layered history and appreciate the echoes of its past residents.