“What secrets does a name hold?” I ask you now standing here on Avenue du Gros-Peuplier. This avenue in Aulnay-sous-Bois has a story rooted in a massive poplar tree. The tree once stood tall within the Bondy forest.
Avenue du Gros-Peuplier is located near the Aulnay-sous-Bois train station. It begins at Place de la République. Several other streets converge here. These include Avenue de la République, Avenue Dumont, and Rue du Docteur-Lavigne. The Avenue du Gros-Peuplier heads southeast. It intersects with avenues like Paul-Langevin and Jean-Jacques-Rousseau. It also crosses Avenue de la Croix-Blanche, Avenue Vercingétorix, and Rue d’Alésia.
The avenue owes its name to a large poplar. This poplar was visible from the road of Cul-de-sac de Nonneville. The tree stood at the intersection with Avenue du Clocher now Avenue Pierre-Jouhet. Even today locals often call this intersection Carrefour du Gros-Peuplier. Some even refer to it as Carrefour du Gros-Peuple.
Avenue du Gros-Peuplier and its surroundings were developed in 1882. Several families bought part of the Bondy forest from the Orleans family. They then divided the land into lots.
Sadly the poplar that gave Avenue du Gros-Peuplier its name was cut down in 2016. The tree had been sick for many years.
Still, the avenue retains some remarkable buildings. The Saint-Joseph church of Aulnay-sous-Bois is one such landmark. At number 45 stands the Villa Les Rhododendrons. It is on the corner of Avenue de la Croix-Blanche. Built in the early 20th century, its semi-circular bays showcase Art Nouveau influence. Architects in the Parisian suburbs embraced this style. At number 70, there is a millstone house. It was built after the Parc development expanded. The Atlas of Architecture and Heritage of Seine-Saint-Denis recognizes it.
And so as we stand here on Avenue du Gros-Peuplier. We remember the giant poplar. Its name lives on in this street. The Avenue du Gros-Peuplier reminds us of the history. It connects us to a time when a single tree defined a place.