ll-795-paris-le-boulevard-rochechouard-et-le-me-tr

This Parisian boulevard is the only one named after a woman

undefined undefined undefined 07h30

The Editor

© Wikimedia Commons

In Paris, every street, square, or avenue name carries a story — often little known by the residents of the City of Light, by the way. They often honor men, sometimes battles, occasionally countries from around the world, and rarely, too rarely, women. However, one of them has the honor of being the only woman to have her name given to a boulevard. But who could it be?

This is one of the most iconic boulevards in the northern part of the capital. Stretching 730 meters, it loops around a portion of the Butte Montmartre, connecting b boulevard de Clichy and boulevard Barbès. For those who haven't recognized it yet, we're talking about the boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, a relatively short street that still holds its share of stories and anecdotes. But let’s rewind a bit to understand who it is named after.


An iconic figure from 18th century Paris

In 1133, Louis VI the Fat and his wife Adélaïde of Savoy founded the royal abbey of Montmartre, which quickly became a major female Benedictine monastery, occupying a good part of the namesake hill. And it’s in 1713 that its story intertwines with that of Marguerite de Rochechouart de Montpipeau, when this latter...black is named abbess of the places.

Coming from a powerful noble family, known for its culture, intelligence, and taste for the arts, she quickly undertakes a major restoration of the abbey, aiming to restore it, which had been slightly neglected, to its original splendor. Surrounded by artists and scholars, she brings the community spiritual, financial, and cultural stability, becoming a key figure in the abbey and, more broadly, a prominent part of Parisian society at the time.


A gentle breeze of change

Since its naming in 1864, the boulevard pays tribute to this religious woman with a rich past, but unfortunately, it remains an exception among the long list of Parisian streets. According to recent studies, currently, only 4% of avenues, squares, and other streets in Pa.ris carries the names of women. Fortunately, in recent years, the City of Paris has tried to rebalance its toponymy by naming new streets after strong female figures.

Even if the road ahead is still long, we appreciate the journey. And while we wait for perfect equality, we don’t hesitate to take a stroll down Rochechouart Boulevard to admire the remarkable landmarks, like number 23, the birthplace of Jean Gabin, the former location of the famous cabaret Le Chat Noir at number 84, or even La Cigale, where you can enjoy some live music at number 120.