Ever wondered about a road that once led to a village? That road is the Chemin d’Aubervilliers. This path whispers tales of transformation. It began as a simple route to Aubervilliers. Today, it’s a vibrant street within Paris itself.
The Chemin d’Aubervilliers owes its existence to its original purpose. It served as a vicinal road. Vicinal roads connected smaller towns and villages. This one specifically led to the village of Aubervilliers.
Once upon a time, the Chemin d’Aubervilliers had different names. The southern part was known as Rue des Vertus. The northern section went by Chemin de Notre-Dame-des-Vertus. These names reflected the area’s history and religious connections. In 1855, the entire route was unified. It was then renamed Chemin d’Aubervilliers.
The road’s destination was significant. It led to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus in Aubervilliers. This church stood near the Albert-Villare farm. The Chemin d’Aubervilliers started at the barrière des Vertus. This barrier was part of the wall of the Fermiers Généraux. The road ran alongside a gazometer. It also bordered the Chemin de fer de l’Est railway.
The Chemin d’Aubervilliers holds a special place in railway history. The first Gare de l’Est was located near the barrière des Vertus. It was originally called the embarcadère de Strasbourg. The first train to Meaux departed from here.
During the Commune de Paris in 1871, the Chemin d’Aubervilliers was barricaded. Multiple barricades disrupted movement along the street.
Today, the Chemin d’Aubervilliers continues to evolve. It carries echoes of its past. It reminds us of simpler times. It stands as a testament to Paris’s ever-changing urban landscape. Walking along it is like stepping through history.