Beneath our feet lies a story etched in Parisian stone. It is the story of Rue Auguste Chabrières. This street in the 15th arrondissement is more than just asphalt and buildings. It is a testament to industry, resilience, and remembrance.
Rue Auguste Chabrières is nestled in the Saint-Lambert quarter. It sits near the edge of the Javel district. You will find it not far from the Porte de Versailles. The street begins at Rue Desnouettes. It ends at Rue de la Croix-Nivert. Rue Auguste Chabrières also intersects Rue du Hameau. The street runs on a northwest to southeast axis.
The street owes its name to Auguste Chabrières. He was an industrialist who lived from 1854 to 1904. Rue Auguste Chabrières got its current name in 1908. The Société du chemin de fer électrique souterrain Nord-Sud de Paris opened the street.
But there’s more to this street than just its namesake. At number 18, a plaque commemorates Rose Blanc. She was a leader in the Union des jeunes filles de France. Sadly she died in Auschwitz.
Further down at number 20, another plaque marks a tragic event. It remembers the deaths of Georges Dupont and Marcel Guillaumin. These resistance fighters died during the Liberation of Paris.
An interesting detail is that the date on the plaque is incorrect. Marcel Guillaumin was badly wounded on August 24 1944. He lived nearby. He later died from his injuries. Georges Dupont lived on Square Auguste-Chabrières. He was killed the next day. He died in the Porte de Versailles area.
The street also has an industrial past. In the interwar period, Quies set up its workshops and labs here. Quies is famous for its earplugs. It was founded in 1921.
Also interesting is the fact that the family holding company that controls Quies is called Chabrières.
As you wander along Rue Auguste Chabrières consider its layers of history. Think of Auguste Chabrières. Remember the sacrifices made during the liberation. Reflect on the industry that once thrived here. This street is a microcosm of Parisian history. It is a blend of industry, resistance, and remembrance.