“Apples once grew here.” Imagine walking along Rue des Pommiers in Pantin. This street’s name whispers tales of orchards. Rue des Pommiers means Apple Tree Street.
This street has a history stretching back centuries. Documents mention it as early as the late 18th century. A deliberation from 1829 also mentions it. The name likely came from the many orchards once blanketing the area. Picture apple trees heavy with fruit.
However, Rue des Pommiers has a more complex story. Its past is entwined with gypsum extraction. This activity began in the 16th century. Gypsum was used to produce plaster. By the 19th century, the extraction made the street nearly impassable.
Many underground cavities were forgotten. Rain’s acidity dissolved the gypsum, weakening them. This caused ground instability and collapses, even today. Heavy reinforcement work became necessary. Imagine the ground shifting beneath your feet.
As you stroll along Rue des Pommiers, notice its landmarks. The Stade Charles-Auray is nearby. Also close is the Cimetière communal de Pantin. It is also known as the Cimetière des Pommiers. This translates to Apple Tree Cemetery.
Look around at the housing. You will see low-income housing from the 1920s. At number 6, you can spot an interesting building. This is a house and bar dating back to 1886. Its construction likely used gypsum from local quarries.
Rue des Pommiers runs west to east. It goes under Rue Jules-Auffret. Then, it crosses Rue de Candale. The street begins at Rue Danton au Pré-Saint-Gervais. It ends at Rue Charles-Auray. The street is a reminder of Pantin’s past. It links a time when orchards thrived. The name also carries echoes of industrial activity. So next time you are here think about the apples and the hidden depths below.