“Rue R Rebeval?” a passerby asks. It is a name etched in Parisian history. This street in the 19th arrondissement holds tales of revolution industry and artistic inspiration. Rue Rebeval stretches 635 meters from Boulevard de la Villette to Rue de Belleville. Its story is more captivating than its length suggests.
Rue Rebeval owes its name to General Joseph Boyer de Rebeval. He defended this area in 1814. Before it was Rue Rebeval it was known as Chemin Saint-Laurent. This earlier name honored the old church of Belleville. The street’s transformation reflects Paris’s ever-changing narrative.
Imagine this street in the 19th century. A mineral spring bubbled here. An industrious factory bottled and sold this water as “eau de l’Atlas”. It was a popular drink. Up to 35000 liters were sold annually in the early 20th century. This shows the innovative spirit of the area.
At numbers 78-80 Rue Rebeval once stood the Meccano toy factory. This building with its unique facade was constructed in 1922. For about ten years this is where the famous construction toys were manufactured. The administrative offices were also located here. Though Meccano wasn’t French it embraced a patriotic image. The factory later moved to Bobigny in 1934. Today the building houses the École des ingénieurs de la ville de Paris.
The École des ingénieurs de la ville de Paris moved here in 2013. Before that it was an architecture school. The building has conference rooms and an auditorium. It shows how Rue Rebeval adapts to the times.
Not far from here at number 91 Emma Saïd Ben Mohamed lived. She was Édith Gassion’s grandmother. Édith Gassion would later become the legendary Édith Piaf. Piaf was entrusted to her grandmother here shortly after her birth around 1915.
Rue Rebeval also connects to a secret treasure. Cité Jandelle begins on Rue Rebeval. This colorful alleyway was created in 1846. Edouard Jandelle-Ramier owned and designed the beautiful house at number 12. Artists and designers have been drawn to its unique and calm atmosphere.
Rue Rebeval is more than just a street. It is a journey through time. It connects military history industrial innovation artistic heritage and quiet residential life. As you walk along Rue Rebeval remember the general the spring the toys and the sparrow. They have all left their mark on this Parisian street.