“Le Vau,” the name echoes through Parisian history. This street, Rue Le Vau, pays homage to Louis Le Vau, a prominent French architect from the 17th century.
Rue Le Vau is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. It stretches 550 meters from Avenue de la Porte-de-Bagnolet to Rue de Noisy-le-Sec. The street’s width measures approximately 20 meters.
The story of Rue Le Vau begins in 1956 with its naming. It officially opened in 1957. The street adopted its name to honor Louis Le Vau. He lived from 1612 to 1670. He left an indelible mark on French architecture.
Louis Le Vau held the prestigious position of Surintendant des Bâtiments under King Louis XIV. He is renowned for his work on Versailles, the Louvre, and Vaux-le-Vicomte. His architectural prowess significantly shaped France’s architectural heritage.
Interestingly, Le Vau’s final project involved designing Versailles’s Enveloppe from 1668 to 1670. But his work on the Collège de Quatre-Nations in Paris stirred controversy.
Le Vau faced accusations of embezzling funds related to the Collège de Quatre-Nations. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, King Louis XIV’s Minister of Finances, opposed Le Vau’s designs. Colbert favored classical styles. Le Vau leaned towards baroque.
The Collège de Quatre-Nations became part of the Université de Paris. Today it is part of the Sorbonne. Cardinal Mazarin had allocated funds for its development. He wanted to consolidate royal power in Paris.
The architectural styles of the era reflect a shift. The clashing classical and baroque styles mirrored the modernization of Paris. Some critics described the Collège as a “Baroque building in a classical city.” Its presence influenced central Paris. It stood across the Seine from the King’s apartments in the Louvre. Le Vau’s designs occupied both sides of the river and Versailles.
Although the lawsuit remained unresolved at his death in 1670, his pupil, Francis d’Orbay, carried out Le Vau’s designs for the Collège.
Colbert believed developing Paris was better for the monarchy than building Versailles. However, Louis XIV ultimately decided otherwise.
At the time of his death, Le Vau was bankrupt. His wife and daughters faced debt and homelessness. Financial records indicated irresponsible management of personal and work-related funds. Despite these personal struggles, his architectural contributions remain remarkable.
Today, Rue Le Vau is more than just a street. It is also a “Rue aux écoles”. This initiative aims to secure the journey between home and school for children. It also focuses on improving public spaces. The goals are to ease daily life and combat air pollution.
Rue Le Vau, specifically between Rue Vidal-de-la-Blache and Rue Maurice-Berteaux, is part of this project. The initiative includes greening efforts. It involves planting greenery with the children from the school at 8 Rue Le Vau. These activities are done in collaboration with the city’s garden services and the CAUE de Paris. The street also features a light-colored pavement. Furthermore you can see the installation of seats and bicycle racks.
So, as you walk along Rue Le Vau, remember the architect it is named after. Think of Louis Le Vau’s grand designs. Think of the controversies he faced. Consider the modern efforts to create a safer, greener space for the community.