What secrets does Rue des Pivoines hold? This street connects avenue des Magnolias to avenue Houba de Strooper. Rue de la Lavande and chemin du Pourpier start on the odd-numbered side of the street.
Rue des Pivoines forms the southern boundary of the Cité du Verregat. The chaussée Romaine borders it to the north. Rue du Verregat and avenue des Magnolias are to the east. Like other streets in the area it is named after a plant. The city of Brussels chose the name on April 24 1925.
However only the first section of Rue des Pivoines leading to rue de la Lavande was built before 1930. Construction on the street occurred in the 1930s. Buildings feature Art Deco designs. For example number 6 was designed by architect Camille Breeus in 1938. In the 1950s and 1960s apartment buildings were added. Those built around 1950 often had Beaux-Arts elements.
Note the building at number 1. It is part of a group of 27 social housing units. Architect Jules Ghobert designed them in 1949. They were built from 1951 to 1953 mainly along avenue des Magnolias. This was for the cooperative Le Home which manages the Cité du Verregat. Number 4 houses the nursery section of the Institut Regina Pacis. Architect Hugo De Sutter designed it in 1969. Originally it served as a house for the congregation running the school.
In April 2024 there was a micro-market for peonies. It took place at 14 Cité Bergère in the 9th arrondissement. This was in front of the Cinabre boutique. Champagne buckets served as vases. Customers could choose their peonies. They could take home a handful of peony buds. Charles cultivates fields of peonies in Normandy. He decided to bring them to Paris. They were accompanied by lilacs and irises. Also available were leeks nettles chervil and other herbs.
These could enhance urban salads. Charles welcomes “wwoofers” every summer. They come from all over the world. They work on his farm for several weeks. They receive room and board.
Today Rue des Pivoines whispers stories. They tell of architectural evolution. They tell of social housing initiatives. They tell of floral markets. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history. They shape this charming street.