Wandering through Paris, have you ever stumbled upon a street that quietly echoes the city’s administrative past? That is Rue du Département. This unassuming street straddling the 18th and 19th arrondissements might not be on every tourist’s must-see list, yet its name and history offer a glimpse into the evolution of Paris itself.
The name Rue du Département tips its hat to the former Département de la Seine. This was the administrative division encompassing Paris and its surrounding areas. Think of it as a historical nod to local governance.
Rue du Département stretches 595 meters. It is not grand in length but rich in history. The street begins at 9 Rue de Tanger and concludes at 34 Rue Marx-Dormoy.
Originally, this street was part of the old communes of La Villette and La Chapelle. Imagine Paris in 1853. The section between today’s Rue de Tanger and Rue d’Aubervilliers was first opened then. A decade later in 1863, it was integrated into Paris.
A second section linking current Rue Marx-Dormoy and Rue d’Aubervilliers emerged earlier in 1842. The final section connecting Rue d’Aubervilliers and Rue Pajol was completed in 1853. This piecemeal development reflects the gradual expansion of Paris.
Even during the First World War, Rue du Département found itself in the crosshairs. On April 15, 1918, a shell fired by the infamous Grosse Bertha exploded near the street. It landed on the railway line bordering the road.
Today, Rue du Département is near several notable places. The Jardins d’Éole is a green space inaugurated. The Hindu temple of Muthumariamman provides a splash of cultural diversity. The Square Françoise-Hélène-Jourda is another nearby spot. The IUT Pajol, an educational institution, is also located close by. At number 1, the former location of the Fontaine marchande d’Isly.
So, as you stroll along Rue du Département, remember it is more than just a street. It is a reminder of Paris’s administrative evolution, resilience during wartime, and cultural tapestry. It is a quiet witness to the ever-changing story of this great city. The nearest metro station is Stalingrad, served by lines 2, 5, and 7.