Ever wondered how a street could embody both protection and progress? That’s the tale of Rue du Fort de la Briche. This route in Saint-Denis follows the path of the D914. This was once the N14 national road.
The name “Rue de la Briche” comes from a hamlet. This hamlet appeared on Delagrive’s map in 1740. Back then, it belonged to the parish of Épinay.
Rue du Fort de la Briche marks a journey through time. It links Épinay-sur-Seine to the heart of Saint-Denis. The street ends at the intersection of Quai de Seine and Rue du Fort-de-la-Briche. It aligns with Rue Paul-Éluard.
During World War I, a raid struck the Roser factory on Rue de la Briche. This was part of the bombardments of Paris and its suburbs. Until 1935, tram line no. 54 ran along it. The southern part became Rue Paul-Éluard.
Along Rue du Fort de la Briche, several Protestant churches stand. Among them are the Kimbanguiste Church. There is also a Pentecostal Evangelical Church. And the Evangelical Church Arche de Paix.
The Fort de la Briche itself played a key role in Paris’s defense. It helped protect the city in the late 19th century. Its location was strategic. It controlled the Seine, RN 14, and the Paris-Beauvais railway.
The Fort de la Briche connected to the Fort de la Double-Couronne via the Digue du Croult. Built around 1844, it formed part of a network of twelve similar structures. These forts aimed to defend Paris from enemy attacks. They linked up with a fortified embankment and a ditch.
During the German siege of 1870, the Fort de la Briche played its part. Retired battalion chief Taphanel commanded it at the time.
Today, the Fort de la Briche hosts the 26th fire company. It also houses the cynotechnical group. Plus, the training center for the Paris Fire Brigade’s executives.
So, as you walk along Rue du Fort de la Briche, remember its layers of history. From a simple hamlet to a strategic defense point, it has seen it all. It stands as a testament to Saint-Denis’s resilience and evolution.