Beneath our feet, the cobblestones of Rue Nollet whisper tales of artists and revolutionaries. This street sits in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. It is a place where history and art intertwine.
Rue Nollet stretches for 800 meters. It offers a glimpse into Parisian life away from the bustling tourist hotspots. This street carries the name of Jean Antoine Nollet. He was a respected scientist, an abbé, and a physicist from the 1700s.
Once called Rue Saint-Louis, Rue Nollet took on its current name following a decree. The street’s history is etched in its buildings. Some façades tell stories of architectural styles.
In 1871, during the tumultuous Commune de Paris, Rue Nollet saw intense conflict. Barricades went up here and in the surrounding streets. The troops of Versailles quickly crushed the defenses. Many defenders were executed and buried in a mass grave. Today, the square des Batignolles marks that tragic spot.
The echoes of war can still be felt. A bomb struck number 30 Rue Nollet during a German bomber raid in 1918.
Rue Nollet has been home to many famous people. Alfred de Vigny rented a studio at number 1. Henri Bachelin lived in a garret at number 4. He was known as the “hermit of Batignolles”.
Amédée de Noé, also known as Cham, lived at number 5 until his death. His wife, saddened by his loss, took her own life there. Paul Verlaine spent part of his youth at number 10. The American poet Langston Hughes lived here too. He worked as a dishwasher in a Pigalle cabaret.
Alfred Sisley resided at number 41. His son Jacques was born there. The anarchist Eugène Dieudonné lived at number 45. He was wrongly arrested and sent to prison. Singer Barbara spent her childhood at number 45. She lived with her grandmother until she was seven.
Pierre Chareau lived at number 54. Nicolas de Staël also lived there. Max Jacob called number 55 home from 1928 to 1933. He lived in what a journalist described as a “shabby” hotel. Other artists like Antonin Artaud and Henri Sauguet were among his neighbors.
The doctor Madeleine Brès founded one of the first nurseries at number 83. André Léo, partner of Benoît Malon, lived at number 92.
More recently, in 2022, a social residence began construction at number 29. This replaced a parking lot built around 1930.
Art continues to flourish on Rue Nollet. At number 5, the artist Morèje pays tribute to Paul Verlaine. The building at number 49 showcases the work of architect Georges Sinell. Its façade features scallop shells and acanthus leaves. The Hôtel Particulier at number 53 displays polychrome bricks and ceramic decorations. The artist Nelio created a large fresco at number 55 in 2021. And you can find an Invader mosaic at number 69 from the 2010s.
As you walk along Rue Nollet, notice the blend of history and art. Let the stories of those who lived and worked here enrich your experience of Paris.