Here on Rue Moreau, history whispers from every corner. This street in Paris’s 12th arrondissement has a story to tell. Rue Moreau links avenue Daumesnil to the south with rue de Charenton to the north. But what makes it special?
Originally, Rue Moreau was part of the old suburbs. It even appears on Jouvin de Rochefort’s plan from 1672. Back then, it was also known as Rue des Filles-Anglaises. This was because of a convent located on the street. Imagine horse-drawn carriages slowly making their way down the street.
In 1859, a section of Rue Moreau was absorbed by avenue Ledru-Rollin. Before that, it stretched all the way to rue de Bercy. It was a vital route for reaching the timber yards between rue de Bercy and quai de la Rapée. Think of the bustling trade and the sounds of workers loading wood.
The street is named after the landowner who developed it. Rue Moreau is not just a name. It is a connection to the past.
Rue Moreau is about 182 meters long and 18 meters wide. The street provides access to the Promenade plantée via the viaduc des Arts.
Interestingly, Rue Moreau runs alongside the Quinze-Vingts hospital. This hospital has been a landmark here. The hospital has provided care for the community.
But there’s even more to Rue Moreau. A sign on the street tells the tale of Hôtel Moreau. In 1795, Jean-Baptiste Lakanal-Dupuget, a royalist, built three hôtels here. The hôtel at number 20 retains a beautiful portico with columns. There is also a circular lounge in the Directoire style.
General Moreau acquired it in 1799. It became the site for preparatory meetings for the coup d’état of 18 Brumaire.
In 1977, a fascinating discovery was made during construction work. 364 sculpted stone blocks from the Notre-Dame facade were unearthed. These included twenty heads of statues of the kings of Judah. Revolutionaries had removed them, mistaking them for French kings. Lakanal Dupuget recovered these sculptures, and they were later placed in the Cluny museum. So, Rue Moreau holds pieces of Notre-Dame’s history.
The story of la Maison Moreau began in the late 18th century. Louis Moreau was appointed master craftsman in 1764. The Parisian store opened in 1882. Louis Moreau Sr. partnered with Martin Guillaume Biennais. They crafted cabinets and trunks. Emperor Napoleon recognized their work.
In 1805, they began producing trunks. This was after the emperor ordered one for Chancellor Cambacérès. The shift from cabinet making to trunk making was a success.
Today, Moreau Paris continues this legacy. The company offers luxury leather goods. The design is inspired by basketry. This Parisian style remains unique.
Rue Moreau is a layered story. It combines landowners, hospitals, and trunk makers. Take a moment to appreciate the history embedded in this Parisian street.