Rue André Coin

A street named after a hero. That’s what Rue André Coin is. Right now, you might be picturing a grand avenue with imposing statues. However, Rue André Coin is a testament to the quiet courage of ordinary people. The street itself connects Rue Béranger and Avenue Augustin-Dumont here in Malakoff. It was once known as Rue des Champs and later Rue des Clozeaux. But the story of how it became Rue André Coin is a poignant one. André Coin was born in Paris but lived at number 4 Avenue Augustin-Dumont. He was just a young man, a carpenter by trade, when the shadow of World War II fell upon France. André became part of the French Resistance, a dangerous path that required immense bravery. He was arrested in May 1941 and sentenced to prison for his activities against the Nazi regime. Handed over to the Germans, André’s journey took him to the camps, first Royallieu and then the infamous Buchenwald. On January 17, 1944, while being transported, André made a daring attempt to escape the train. He was tragically shot and killed, a martyr at the age of 21. After the war, the city of Malakoff honored André Coin by renaming Rue des Clozeaux as Rue André Coin. It’s a reminder that heroism can be found in the most unassuming places and that even a simple street can bear witness to extraordinary acts of courage.