“Morillons” What a curious name for a street. Don’t you think?
Rue des Morillons in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. It’s a long street nearly 860 meters long. A quiet thoroughfare now it has a history rich with the scent of grapes and the sounds of construction. Its name whispers of a time long past when vineyards covered this very ground. “Morillons” were the dark grapes harvested from the Vaugirard vineyards. Imagine the sun-drenched slopes the rich soil producing plump juicy fruit.
In 1730 a map shows the section between Rue de Dantzig and Rue Castagnary as a mere path a trail winding through vines. In 1840 it became known as the “chemin des Morillons” starting from the Acacias farm bordering Rue de Vanves. By 1906 this path had blossomed into a full-fledged street extending from Rue de Dantzig all the way to Rue Olivier-de-Serres.
The street’s history is interwoven with the development of this part of Paris. It runs close to Parc Georges-Brassens a tranquil oasis. You can still sense a bit of the old Paris here. It even touches the edge of the former Vaugirard slaughterhouses a vestige of a different era. A grand group school stands at the intersection with Rue de Cherbourg. Built in 1934-1936 it was designed in the style of the Amsterdam School. Look closely at the bay windows of its stairwells. They’re inspired by the Dutch architect Piet Kramer. A remarkable blend of history and architectural styles.
Number 36 holds a unique distinction. It houses the Paris Police Prefecture’s lost and found department. Rue des Morillons is sometimes used to refer to this service a testament to its place in the city’s daily life.
The story of Rue des Morillons is a story of transformation. From a path through vineyards to a bustling street it reflects the evolution of Paris itself. This quiet Parisian street carries the echoes of history the weight of tradition. It blends the scent of grapes from the past with the echoes of modern Paris. A true testament to the city’s continuous story.