What if these stones on Rue du Moutier could talk? This street in Aubervilliers is one of the oldest in the city. It whispers tales of a village evolving into a modern commune.
Rue du Moutier is not just a street. It is a path through time. It aligns with Rue du Landy. Together they form a historic route through Aubervilliers.
Once, Rue du Moutier led to an old chapel. That chapel was replaced by the Notre-Dame-des-Vertus church. The street’s name hints at its past. “Moutier” is an old word meaning monastery or church.
The street starts at Rue Heurtault and meets Rue Schaffer and Rue du Goulet. It then arrives at the Place de la Mairie. This is the historic heart of Aubervilliers. Rue du Moutier passes the church. It then becomes the starting point for other streets. These include Rue de la Commune-de-Paris and Rue du Docteur-Pesqué. Finally, it ends at the intersection of Rue de la Courneuve and Rue Charron.
In 1740, a cross stood at the intersection of Rue Heurtault and Rue du Landy. This is according to Delagrive’s map. This cross marked a significant spot along Rue du Moutier.
Rue du Moutier has seen many changes. Buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries line the street. These replaced older structures during Aubervilliers’ economic shift. The village transformed into an industrial town. Old village houses gave way to apartment buildings.
Today, the street presents a diverse yet pleasing look. Buildings of different sizes, styles, and eras stand side by side. Renovations in the 1990s brought a sense of unity. The OPAH project chose facade colors carefully. This created harmony. However some feel this came at the expense of individual building identity.
Many ground floors house shops. Courtyards host various activities. Garages are especially common. Number 1 Rue du Moutier is a beautiful bourgeois building. It features detailed plaster moldings. Balconies adorn the upper floors.
At number 3, on the corner of Rue du Docteur-Pesqué, stands a building facing the church. It has ornate plaster decorations. A restaurant on the ground floor boasts beautiful woodwork from around 1900. Numbers 16 to 20 face the church square.
Number 26 was once a cinema. A sign reading “Studio 26” still marks the entrance. At number 26bis, look for ceramic panels above the windows. They read “maison fondée en 1827”.
The cultural heritage service of Seine-Saint-Denis studied Rue du Moutier in 2004. They noted its historical importance. The street’s layout and diverse buildings contribute to the area’s identity.
Even though its facades were mainly rebuilt between the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rue du Moutier is a main artery that constitutes the old town.
So, next time you pass through, remember Rue du Moutier. It is a street that has witnessed centuries of change. It is a vital part of Aubervilliers’ story.