Aubervilliers

In 1059, a small village named Albertivillare, meaning “estate of Adalbert,” emerged in the historical records. This village, known today as Aubervilliers, lies in the northeastern suburbs of Paris. Aubervilliers boasts a rich history, intertwined with both rural tranquility and industrial dynamism. Aubervilliers was initially a rural area, known as Notre-Dame-des-Vertus. Its fertile plains supplied Paris with the finest vegetables. Over the centuries, Aubervilliers transformed. The opening of the Canal Saint-Denis in 1821 and the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes. Industries flourished along the canal, attracting waves of immigrants from across Europe and beyond. Aubervilliers became a melting pot of cultures, a characteristic it retains to this day. Aubervilliers played a role in key historical events. In 1590, Henri IV resided here during the Siege of Paris. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Plain of Aubervilliers witnessed fierce battles between French and Prussian troops. The construction of Fort d’Aubervilliers in 1843, part of the Thiers wall designed to protect Paris, further marked the landscape. Aubervilliers also became a hub for industry. Saint-Gobain established a factory in 1866, contributing to the nickname “Little Prussia” for the Quatre-Chemins district due to the influx of German workers. The construction of the Stade de France in nearby Saint-Denis in 1998 further spurred development in the area. Aubervilliers continues to evolve. It has faced challenges, including social unrest and economic hardship. Yet, it remains a vibrant community, with a rich cultural scene, including the renowned Théâtre de la Commune and numerous arts centers. From its humble beginnings as a farming village to its current status as a multicultural suburb, Aubervilliers’ story is a testament to resilience and adaptation.