Rue des Buissonnets

“A sweet childhood nest?” I muse aloud, pausing before the unassuming entrance to Rue des Buissonnets. “It’s hard to reconcile such a charming description with the ‘most painful period’ of someone’s life.” We stand before the former home of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a place that embodies this very paradox. Rue des Buissonnets isn’t just a street; it’s a portal to the intimate world of a young girl whose journey to sainthood began within these very walls. Thérèse’s family moved to Les Buissonnets, on Rue des Buissonnets, in November 1877, shortly after her mother’s death. This house, nestled on the road to Pont-l’Évêque in the quaintly named “Chemin du Paradis” alley, became their sanctuary for eleven years. For Thérèse, it was the backdrop to both her happiest and most challenging years. She cherished the love and affection of her father and sisters here. Yet, it was also at Rue des Buissonnets that she endured the heartache of seeing her two older sisters, who had been like second mothers to her, enter the Carmelite convent. Imagine young Thérèse, playing in the garden that still thrives today, her laughter echoing amidst the trees. Now, picture her grappling with the loss of her mother and the departure of her sisters. These experiences, within the walls of Rue des Buissonnets, shaped her understanding of love, loss, and faith. The house, later purchased by Thérèse’s cousin in 1909, became a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors eager to connect with the spirit of the young saint. While the address is officially 22 Buissonnets Road, the spirit of Thérèse pervades the entire street, making Rue des Buissonnets a pilgrimage in itself. The house is more than just a museum; it is a living testament to Thérèse’s “Little Way,” her philosophy of finding holiness in the ordinary. As we stand here, on Rue des Buissonnets, we’re not just observing a historical landmark. We’re invited to step into Thérèse’s world, to reflect on the complexities of childhood, and to discover the profound impact of faith and family within these seemingly ordinary walls.