“Why Salneuve?” someone asks. Rue Salneuve is a seemingly ordinary street. Yet, its name holds a story. It is nestled in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. This street whispers tales of a man who once called this area home.
Rue Salneuve owes its name to Jean-Félix Salneuve. He was an engineer. He was also a professor of topography. Jean-Félix made significant contributions to the community. Let’s explore his story.
Jean-Félix Salneuve attended the École Polytechnique. He became a skilled engineer and geographer. Later, he shared his knowledge as a professor. He taught at the École de Guerre. His expertise in topography and geodesy was highly valued.
Around 1835, Jean-Félix entered local politics. He became an adjoint au maire or assistant to the mayor. He often opposed Mayor Auguste Balagny. This opposition continued until a unique family event. The children of Jean-Félix and Auguste Balagny married. This brought the families together.
Jean-Félix Salneuve’s personal life saw both joy and sorrow. He first married Marie Angélique Monard. They had a son, Victor Émile, who passed away at a young age. After Marie Angélique’s death, Jean-Félix remarried. His second wife was Élisabeth Mansuy. Together, they had a daughter named Berthe. Berthe later married Georges Balagny. He was the son of Auguste Balagny.
Jean-Félix Salneuve died in Paris. He passed away at his home on Rue Puteaux. At the time of his death, he was a chef d’escadron. He was also an officer of the Légion d’honneur. Jean-Félix was buried in the Cimetière des Batignolles.
Rue Salneuve has a rich history. Before getting its current name, it was part of the commune of Batignolles. In 1672, it appeared on the Jouvin de Rochefort plan. Back then, it was known as the chemin de Clichy à Monceau.
The street’s layout has evolved. The Impasse Faldony once connected to Rue Salneuve. It disappeared during street improvements. Railway workshops and a freight station absorbed the northern section of the road.
In 1835, the street was briefly named Rue de Clichy. But in 1850, it officially became Rue Salneuve. A decree formalized its place in Parisian street maps.
Georges Balagny lived at number 11 Rue Salneuve. He was connected to the street’s namesake through his marriage.
Today, Rue Salneuve is served by the Rome station on line 2. This makes it accessible to visitors and residents alike. The street is about 190 meters long and 9.50 meters wide.
So, as you walk along Rue Salneuve, remember Jean-Félix Salneuve. He was an engineer, a professor, and a local politician. His contributions earned him a lasting tribute. His name marks this Parisian street. It is a reminder of the individuals who shape the city’s identity.