Is it possible for a street to be named after queens and still remain somewhat unknown? Here at Mail des Reines in Aubervilliers, we find such a place. It is not about one queen but about many.
Mail des Reines evokes images of royalty. It whispers stories of powerful women who once shaped France. But who were these queens?
France has a rich history of queens and regents. Many played significant roles in shaping the nation. “Mémoires historiques, critiques et anecdotes des reines et régentes de France” by Jean-François Dreux du Radier is dedicated to their stories. It is a collection of historical accounts and anecdotes about French queens and regents. The book spans six volumes. It covers figures from Bazine to Madame de Montespan.
This street’s name may honor these figures. They ruled France or influenced its course. Dreux du Radier’s work preserves their legacies. It offers insights into their lives and times. Perhaps the Mail des Reines is a tribute to these women.
The name Bourg-la-Reine means “Town of the Queen.” In 1792 during the French Revolution, it was renamed Bourg-l’Égalité. This meant “Equality borough”. The name Bourg-la-Reine was restored in 1812.
The nearby Marché Saint-Pierre is a famous fabric market. It has a connection to the world of textiles and fashion. Tissus Reine is another fabric store in the area. This creates a link between royalty and the world of fabrics.
The Mail des Reines might celebrate queens. It could also celebrate the fabrics used to create royal garments. It allows us to imagine the luxurious materials worn by queens throughout history.
Consider the fabrics described at Marché Saint-Pierre. Broderie Anglaise. Coton Violet. Lainage Bouclette. These fabrics could have adorned queens. They could have been used in royal courts.
The Mail des Reines is more than just a street name. It is a reminder of France’s royal past. It evokes images of queens and their influence. The stories of these queens live on. They are found in history books and perhaps whispered on this very street.
As we stand here, we can reflect on the women who shaped France. The Mail des Reines invites us to remember their stories.