Le Kremlin-Bicêtre is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. It is from the center of Paris. It is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Europe. Le Kremlin-Bicêtre is most famous as the location of the Bicêtre Hospital, where Superintendent Philippe Pinel is credited as being the first to introduce humane methods into the treatment of the mentally ill, in 1793. Its most notorious guest was the Marquis de Sade.
Name
The name has roots both in England and Russia. Le Kremlin-Bicêtre was originally a hamlet called simply Bicêtre and located within the commune of Gentilly. The name Bicêtre comes from the manor built there by John of Pontoise, Bishop of Winchester, in the end of the 13th century. The name of this Manor of Winchester was corrupted into Vinchestre, then Bichestre, and eventually Bicêtre. The Bicêtre Hospital was built starting in 1634 on the ruins of the manor. In 1813 the Bicêtre Hospital acted as a major reception point for evacuated casualties of the Grande Armée from the French invasion of Russia. Veterans of the invasion of Russia used to gather in a tavern near Bicêtre Hospital. This tavern was soon renamed Au sergent du Kremlin in reference to the Moscow Kremlin where the veterans had camped. Gradually the name Kremlin was used for the whole neighborhood around the Bicêtre Hospital, and appeared for the first time officially in an ordnance map of 1832. Later the names Kremlin and Bicêtre were joined together and became the official name of the area.
History
The commune of Le Kremlin-Bicêtre was created on 13 December 1896 by detaching its territory from the commune of Gentilly.
Transport
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre is served by Le Kremlin-Bicêtre station on Paris Métro Line 7.
Education
Public primary and secondary schools:
Five preschools: Benoît-Malon, Jean-Zay, Pauline-Kergomard, Robert-Desnos, Suzanne-Buisson
Five elementary schools: Benoît-Malon A, Benoît-Malon B, Charles-Péguy, Pierre-Brossolette
Secondary schools:
Public junior high schools: Collège Jean-Perrin and Collège Albert-Cron
Pierre Lasjaunias, anatomist, neuroradiologist, and interventional neuroradiology physician who worked at Bicêtre Hospital from 1983-2008, serving as Director of Neuroradiology and Director of the Head and Neck Division among other positions. Dr. Lasjaunias is known for his contributions in advancing the treatment of Vein of Galen Malformations, and inspiring countless students of neuroradiology.
