Les rues de Paris, tome premier Biographies, portraits, récits et légendes

This volume gathers vivid biographies of the men and women whose names adorn the streets of Paris. From painters like Raphael and Michel‑Angelo to composers such as Beethoven, from physicians and scholars to a few brave soldiers, each sketch draws on original chronicles to reveal the personalities behind the plaques. The portraits are concise yet colorful, offering listeners a glimpse of the achievements that earned a place on the city’s map.

The second half functions as an alphabetical glossary of Parisian street names, explaining how each title originated and, when known, providing dates and brief commentary. It touches on saints, artists, politicians and even the occasional fleeting name altered by changing regimes, while leaving out the obvious thoroughfares such as Rue de l’Église. Exploring these entries turns a simple walk down any boulevard into a miniature history lesson, enriching the soundscape of everyday travel.