Once, the Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis didn’t lead to Saint-Denis. Instead, it led to the old port of Saint-Denis. It was the first place to collect tolls on the Seine.
Today, we stand on the Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis in Gennevilliers. It may seem like just another street. However, this avenue has a story to tell. It’s a story of trade and taxation. It’s a story of a river’s importance.
Imagine a time when the Seine was the lifeblood of Paris. Boats carried goods and wealth. The Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis was the gateway. Here, officials collected taxes. These taxes were vital for the city.
The name Saint-Denis is common in France. Many cities have a Rue Saint-Denis. Usually, it refers to Saint Denis. He was the first bishop of Paris. He died a martyr around 250 AD. His cult became very popular. The name suggests a chapel or church once stood nearby.
But our Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis is different. It is not named after the saint. It is named after the town of Saint-Denis. This avenue originally led to the town’s old port.
The port was a key point for collecting péages. Péages are tolls. They were charged on goods transported on the Seine. This avenue was the primary access. It ensured all goods paid their due.
Think about the scene. Merchants arrive by boat. They unload their goods. Officials wait to collect the tolls. The Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis bustles with activity. It is a vital link in the economic chain.
Over time, the city grew. The port became less important. The avenue’s purpose changed. Today, it is a local street. But its history remains. It’s a reminder of Paris’s river trade. It is a reminder of how tolls shaped the city.
So, as you walk along the Avenue Vieux Chemin de Saint-Denis, remember its past. It was more than just a road. It was a gateway to Paris. It was a symbol of the city’s economic power. It was the first point of taxation on the Seine. Its story is etched in the very ground beneath our feet. It is a story worth remembering.