Rue Heurtault

Have you ever heard of a street named after a generous act? Rue Heurtault in Aubervilliers is one such street. It stands as a testament to the legacy of Louis Pierre Heurtault, a man whose kindness continues to touch lives even today. Rue Heurtault is one of the oldest streets in Aubervilliers, located in the heart of the city. It was once known as Rue aux Reines and served as a path leading to Saint-Denis. Imagine the hustle and bustle of centuries past as people traversed this route, their lives intertwined with the history of this street. The name “Rue Heurtault” came to be in recognition of Louis Pierre Heurtault’s generosity. In his will dated 11 May 1878, Mr. Heurtault bequeathed a building he owned on this very street to the city. His desire was to establish a hospice for the needy. This noble act was officially recognized and accepted by a prefectural decree on 25 January 1879. Rue Heurtault is more than just a street named after a generous benefactor. It offers a glimpse into Aubervilliers’ past, particularly the section between Passage de l’Avenir and the intersection with Boulevard Anatole-France. A map from 1708 reveals buildings lining this street, many of which were later remodeled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. What makes Rue Heurtault truly special is its collection of beautifully preserved old farmhouses, especially those near the historic Mazier farm. They stand as remarkable remnants of Aubervilliers’ agricultural heritage, a sight rarely seen in the surrounding Seine-Saint-Denis region. As you walk along Rue Heurtault today, picture the market gardeners and laborers who once inhabited these two-story farmhouses with their large carriage entrances. They toiled on the Plain of Vertus, once the largest vegetable-producing plain in France. Interestingly, these houses earned the nickname “plaster houses” due to their unique construction. Built on a foundation of stone about 70-80 centimeters high, the walls were crafted from plaster sourced from nearby gypsum deposits. Rue Heurtault is a quiet reminder of Aubervilliers’ evolution. It echoes the footsteps of those who came before, their stories woven into the very fabric of this historic street. As you continue your journey through Aubervilliers, remember the legacy of Louis Pierre Heurtault and the charm of the old farmhouses that grace this unique street.