Rue Paul Baudry

Did Paul Baudry ever imagine a Parisian street would bear his name? Rue Paul Baudry, tucked away in the 8th arrondissement, whispers tales of the artist’s legacy. This street, formerly known as Rue Fortin, began its life quite differently. In 1829, Jean-Joseph Fortin, a lawyer, envisioned a 12-meter wide pathway connecting Rue de Ponthieu to Rue des Écuries-d’Artois (now Rue d’Artois). Construction, however, didn’t commence until 1837. The street initially bore Fortin’s name. It wasn’t until 1888 that the street received its current moniker, honoring the painter Paul Baudry (1828-1886). Rue Paul Baudry runs between numbers 54 and 56 of Rue de Ponthieu and ends between numbers 9 and 11 of Rue d’Artois. Today, you can reach this charming street via metro line 9, disembarking at Saint-Philippe du Roule station. Rue Paul Baudry houses several noteworthy buildings. Number 3, the Hôtel de Wendel, built in 1856, boasts a vast 4,700 square meters. In 1908, it was home to Mme Robert de Wendel and her son-in-law, the Duke of Maillé. Later, it served as the residence of Humbert de Wendel and the administrative offices of Les Petits-Fils de F. de Wendel et Cie. Today, after extensive renovations, it houses the Parisian offices of the law firm Baker & McKenzie. At number 6, you’ll find the former residence of the Viscountess of Courval and her daughter, Princess de Poix. The Viscountess amassed an impressive art collection within these walls. Later, the building was repurposed for the Aref bank. Number 12 once held the Consulate General of San Marino in the early 1900s. Rue Paul Baudry, a quiet street brimming with stories, invites you to stroll its length and imagine the lives lived within its elegant buildings.