Consider how Rue Laffitte, a seemingly ordinary street, holds stories of revolution royalty and art. This Parisian street in the 9th arrondissement whispers tales of France’s tumultuous past. Let’s delve into the history of Rue Laffitte.
Initially named Rue d’Artois in 1771 it honored the Comte d’Artois. He was the brother of King Louis XVI. However the French Revolution swept through and names changed. In 1792 Rue d’Artois became Rue Cerutti. This recognized Giuseppe Cerutti an Italian writer and Republican.
After the Bourbon Restoration the street reverted to Rue d’Artois. Later in 1826 it expanded towards Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Jacques Laffitte a prominent financier and politician lived at number 27. He played a key role in the Revolution of 1830. Laffitte along with others offered the crown to Louis Philippe I. This was after Charles X’s actions against civilians.
In December 1830 Laffitte became President of the French Council of Ministers. As a result the street was renamed Rue Laffitte in his honor. He shares this honor with Victor Hugo. Both men have streets named after them where they lived.
Interestingly Louis Napoleon later Napoleon III was born at number 15. The Dowager Queen Kishwar Sultana of Oudh also stayed on this street. She resided at the Hôtel Papy in 1858. This was after Queen Victoria denied her request to restore her son to the throne.
Today Rue Laffitte offers a unique view. At its beginning you can see the Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. It appears to sit atop the Notre-Dame de Lorette church. In reality it is much further away.
Rue Laffitte has been home to many notable figures. The British Marquis Richard Seymour-Conway and his son Richard Wallace lived here. They stored part of their art collection at number 2. Ambroise Vollard opened an art gallery at number 6. Alexandre Bernheim Jeune opened his first gallery at number 8 in 1863. Jacques Offenbach resided at number 11 from 1859 to 1876.
Moreover Claude Monet was born at number 45. Paul Durand-Ruel opened his gallery at number 16 in 1867. The street became a hub for art experts and dealers in the late 19th century. This lasted until World War I.
Even during World War I Rue Laffitte saw action. In 1918 a bomb from a German plane exploded at number 15. Rue Laffitte is more than just a street. It is a living testament to Parisian history art and revolution. As you walk along Rue Laffitte imagine the echoes of the past. Think of the revolutionaries artists and royals who once walked here.