Rue des Grands Buissons

“A street named after ‘large bushes?'” you might chuckle, as we stand before Rue des Grands Buissons. Rue des Grands Buissons in Nanterre may not seem grand at first glance, but its name holds a secret to a time when this area was a rural landscape, far removed from the bustling cityscapes of modern Paris. While the large bushes might be gone, replaced by houses and the rhythm of daily life, the name Rue des Grands Buissons acts as a whisper of the past. It reminds us of a time before urbanization, when the hospital of Saint-Louis stood amidst open fields. Imagine this area, perhaps in the 18th century, as a quiet path leading toward the Buttes-Chaumont, overgrown with those very “grands buissons” that give the street its name. Rue des Grands Buissons was once known by other names: Ruelle des Cavés (Lane of the Caves) and Rue des Moulins (Street of the Mills), hinting at other activities and landmarks that may have dotted the area. By 1790, it had adopted the name Rue du Buisson-Saint-Louis, as recorded on the Verniquet map, a clear connection to the nearby hospital. Even amidst wartime, Rue du Buisson-Saint-Louis held its place in history. On March 11, 1918, number 28 was struck during a German air raid. This street was not just a thoroughfare. It was home to people, to stories. At number 19, Jean and Marie Moinon ran a café-restaurant. Their lives took a dramatic turn during World War II, when they were arrested by the Gestapo. Their story, a blend of everyday life and resistance, is further commemorated by a plaque on the street dedicated to Marie Moinon (though it mistakenly names her Berthe). Later, the city of Paris would honor their bravery with another namesake, the Rue Jean-et-Marie-Moinon. Today, tucked away at 23 Rue du Buisson Saint-Louis, a courtyard offers a glimpse into the past. There, a charming old pavilion with a triangular pediment endures, a relic predating the area’s transformation. On either side of the courtyard, rows of old workshops, built with timber frames and brick in-fill, stand as a testament to the area’s past life. Above, dwellings connected by exterior walkways supported by metal consoles add a unique architectural character. So, as you stroll along Rue des Grands Buissons, remember, you’re walking not just on pavement, but on layers of history. Each name, each building, each echo of the past, contributes to the rich tapestry of this unassuming street in Nanterre.