Ru d’Aulnay

Gazing upon this tranquil stream, the Ru d’Aulnay, it’s hard to believe it played a part in shaping the grand landscapes of Paris. The Ru d’Aulnay isn’t just a picturesque waterway. It’s a vital thread in the historical tapestry of this region, connecting the town of Châtenay-Malabry to the majestic Grand Canal in the Parc de Sceaux. The Ru d’Aulnay begins its journey in Châtenay-Malabry, near the intersection of Avenue de la Division-Leclerc and Avenue Henri-de-la-Touche. From this somewhat hidden origin, the Ru d’Aulnay carved the Vallée d’Aulnay. This valley bears the stream’s name, a testament to its influence on the local topography. The Ru d’Aulnay flows along the southern side of the Vallée aux Loups road. It then enters the Parc de la Vallé aux Loups, traveling a short distance underground before reemerging into the open air. The Ru d’Aulnay meanders through the private Domaine de la Fontaine Levron, passes beneath Rue Eugène-Sinet, and graces the Arboretum de la Vallée-aux-Loups with its presence. After its journey through the arboretum, the Ru d’Aulnay once again disappears underground, following the path of Rue Eugène-Sinet and Rue Marc-Sangnier. Its presence is still remembered in Sceaux, with a path named Chemin du Ru d’Aulnay, commemorating this small waterway. The Ru d’Aulnay continues its subterranean journey, passing under the TGV Atlantique and the Coulée Verte du Sud Parisien, eventually reaching the northwest part of the Parc de Sceaux and flowing into the Grand Canal. This canal is also fed by the Ru de Châtenay on its western side. From the southern edge of the Grand Canal, the Ru des Morteaux flows into the Bièvre river. These three interconnected waterways, the Ru d’Aulnay, the Ru de Châtenay, and the Ru des Morteaux, form a local hydraulic system. Unlike the other two, a portion of the Ru d’Aulnay remains visible. It flows freely for about a kilometer through the park and arboretum. This allows visitors to appreciate its beauty. So, the next time you stroll along the Grand Canal or visit the Parc de Sceaux, remember the humble Ru d’Aulnay. This quiet stream, flowing sometimes hidden and sometimes in the open, has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and contributing to the rich history of this area.