“A surgeon’s legacy etched in Parisian stone.” That is Rue Nélaton. Here on Rue Nélaton, we walk a path intertwined with medical innovation and somber history. This street in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, bears the name of Auguste Nélaton. He was a renowned French physician and surgeon.
Auguste Nélaton lived from 1807 to 1873. His contributions to the field of medicine earned him lasting recognition. The street serves as a permanent reminder of his impact. But there is also a dark side to the story of Rue Nélaton.
From 1909 to 1959, the Vélodrome d’Hiver stood here. It was a popular venue for the Six Days of Paris cycling competition. However, it became a site of immense suffering during World War II. On July 16 and 17, 1942, French police forces confined over 13,000 Jewish people here. They were held for several days without water or food.
These innocent people were then deported to various labor and death camps. This horrific event, known as the Vel d’Hiv Roundup, remains a scar on French history. The Vélodrome d’Hiver was torn down in 1959. Until 2007, the site housed offices for the Ministry of the Interior.
Today, a memorial garden stands at 7 Rue Nélaton. It is dedicated to the children of the Vel d’Hiv. It provides a space for reflection and remembrance.
As we continue down Rue Nélaton, notice the architecture around us. At numbers 3 to 11, there is a unique building complex. It belongs to the AG 2 R insurance group. A stylized stone sculpture sits in its water basin. It depicts a man swimming with a dolphin.
Numbers 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 also showcase remarkable buildings. These structures date back to 1907. Architects Veber and Michau designed them. These buildings feature six stories, stone balconies, wrought iron details, and bull’s-eye dormer windows.
Once, at number 7 Rue Nélaton, was the headquarters of the ERAP Elf-RAP oil company. It later became the Société Nationale Elf Aquitaine. From 1985 to 2007, the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance also had its headquarters here.
Rue Nélaton is more than just a street. It is a place where the past and present converge. It is named for a medical pioneer. It also serves as a reminder of a tragic event in history. As we leave Rue Nélaton, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history beneath our feet.