Avenue de la Famille

On Avenue de la Famille, an unusual tale unfolds. This seemingly ordinary street in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, near Paris, holds the story of a secretive community known simply as “The Family”. Avenue de la Famille isn’t just a street name. It’s a reflection of the community’s deep-rooted history and their practice of exclusively marrying within their own eight families. This tradition began in 1819 in a simple bistro on Rue Saint-Maur, when two friends, Jean-Pierre Thibout and François Havet, decided to unite their children in marriage. This seemingly small act laid the foundation for a community that has persisted for over two centuries. The Family, residing mainly in the 11th, 12th, and 20th arrondissements of Paris, adheres to strict religious rules. Women are forbidden from cutting their hair or wearing trousers. The colors red and white are prohibited, red being associated with the devil and white reserved for God. Certain professions are also off-limits. Working in law or healthcare is forbidden, as divine law and God’s will are paramount. Contraception and divorce are strictly prohibited. Avenue de la Famille represents not just a physical location but the heart of this unique community. The children of The Family are shielded from the outside world. School trips, playdates, and invitations to friends’ homes are all forbidden to maintain their isolation. This seclusion continued until 2020, when a journalist from Le Parisien brought their existence to light, sparking a media frenzy and government concern about potential sectarian tendencies. While authorities haven’t officially classified them as a sect, due to the lack of a central guru or proselytizing activities, their practices have raised eyebrows. Avenue de la Famille stands as a testament to their enduring presence. It’s a quiet reminder of the secrets and stories hidden within the bustling metropolis of Paris. The Family’s unique customs, like the annual “bean feast” held every first Saturday of January in Saint-Maur, celebrate the founding moment of their community. The intriguing legend surrounding their prophet, Élie Bonjour, and his supposed connection to Rue de Montreuil, adds another layer of mystery. Avenue de la Famille embodies the complex history and enduring legacy of this close-knit community. Their story, once shrouded in secrecy, now invites curiosity and contemplation on the diverse ways people choose to live and connect.