Rue Raymond Radiguet

Hidden within the 19th arrondissement, Rue Raymond Radiguet whispers a tale of literary brilliance and fleeting youth. This street, named after the French writer Raymond Radiguet, stretches a mere 245 meters. It begins at Rue Curial and ends at Rue d’Aubervilliers. Don’t let its modest length fool you. Rue Raymond Radiguet holds a unique charm. It’s a quiet reminder of a writer who burned bright and fast. Radiguet, born in 1903, achieved literary fame at a young age. His most famous novel, “Le Diable au corps” (The Devil in the Flesh), was published in 1923. This scandalous story of a young married woman’s affair with a teenage boy during wartime shocked post-World War I France. This novel, partly autobiographical, cemented Radiguet’s place in literary history. Rue Raymond Radiguet, dedicated in 1988, serves as a tribute to his short but impactful life. Before bearing his name, it was simply known as “Voie CB/19.” This unassuming street offers a glimpse into a life cut tragically short. Radiguet died of typhoid fever in 1923 at the age of 20. He left behind a small but significant body of work, including his second novel, “Le bal du Comte d’Orgel” (The Ball of Count Orgel), published posthumously. As you stroll along Rue Raymond Radiguet, imagine the young writer walking these same Parisian streets. His youthful energy and literary genius resonate within this quiet corner of the 19th arrondissement.