A whisper of history lingers here on Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard. This unassuming street in Paris’ 13th arrondissement holds secrets. Secrets whispered on the wind that once blew across the Bièvre Valley. Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard is more than just a road. It’s a living testament to the past. A past shaped by a humble fountain and a determined parishioner.
The street’s name itself is a story. It’s a story of a “fontaine à Mulard” a fountain once located at the street’s end. This fountain sat atop a hill overlooking the Bièvre a river now long gone. The area was once part of Gentilly a separate commune before becoming part of Paris in 1863. Imagine the scene. The quiet flow of the fountain the bustling life of the village. This was the heart of a community.
But the story doesn’t stop with the fountain. There’s more. A certain Monsieur Mulard or Mulat a local parishioner played a significant role. He commissioned a calvary a religious monument near the fountain. This became known as “La Croix à Mulard” The Cross of Mulard. The fountain and the cross together became landmarks. They gave the area its identity. Its name.
Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard wasn’t always as it is today. The Bièvre’s valley was filled in during 1887. This drastically altered the street’s length and shape. A section between Rue Damesme and Rue de la Colonie vanished. It disappeared forever. The street was later extended in 1925. It now reaches Place de Rungis. The changing landscape reflects the ever-shifting nature of Paris itself.
Even the World Wars left their mark on Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard. In 1918 during the First World War a German bomb exploded at number 12. This is a poignant reminder of the impact of larger historical events. It shows how even seemingly quiet streets were touched by conflict.
Today Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard is quieter. It’s a peaceful street. It is a residential area. Yet walking its length you can sense the echoes of the past. You can feel the presence of the fountain the cross and the people who once lived here. This humble street is a hidden gem. It’s a treasure that only reveals itself to those who take the time to listen. To truly listen to the story whispered on the wind. A story of a fountain a cross and a community’s enduring spirit. The story of Rue de la Fontaine à Mulard.