Why does Rue d’Avron evoke the echoes of war? Standing here you feel the weight of history. This Parisian street holds a secret. It whispers tales of the Franco-Prussian War.
Rue d’Avron wasn’t always Rue d’Avron. It began as a section of the “chemin de Paris à Montreuil”. This old road linked Paris to Montreuil. It later became “rue de Montreuil” and then “Grande rue de Montreuil”. Eventually it was renamed Rue d’Avron. The name honors the Plateau d’Avron. This plateau in eastern Paris played a crucial role in the 1870-1871 Siege of Paris. The Plateau’s strategic position made it a key defensive point against Prussian forces.
Imagine the scene. It’s late 1870. Paris is under siege. The Plateau d’Avron is a battlefield. French and Prussian artillery bombard the area. French troops occupy and fortify the Plateau. They face harsh conditions. Freezing temperatures and food shortages sap their morale. The soldiers also struggle with outdated maps.
Then came the devastating Prussian attack. Sixty cannons unleashed a relentless barrage. The French suffered heavy losses. Their artillery was ordered to stay silent. This was a strategic deception. The French hoped to lure the Prussian infantry into a trap. However the infantry didn’t advance. The shelling continued. The French evacuated the plateau under cover of night. This retreat marked a significant moment in the siege.
Rue d’Avron today stands as a reminder of this conflict. It’s a bustling commercial street. Its shops and buildings tell a different story. Yet the street’s name and history link it to the past. The area has seen many changes since the siege. A complete renovation in 2011 included landscaping. Thirty-one apple trees and eight planters with various plants were added. Wider sidewalks and new bus shelters improved the street. Number 107 Rue d’Avron holds special significance. Natan Darty lived there. He later founded the Darty Group. He survived deportation to Auschwitz. His story adds another layer to Rue d’Avron’s complex history. This street is a poignant reminder of both war and resilience.