Drapeaux afghans flappent sometimes next to the French tricolor. This is Rue Marx-Dormoy. It’s a street with a layered past. Today, we will explore its evolution from an ancient route to its modern-day identity.
Rue Marx-Dormoy resides in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. It stretches about 590 meters. The street connects Place de la Chapelle to the intersection of Rue de la Chapelle, Rue Ordener, Rue Philippe de Girard, and Rue Riquet.
Originally, Rue Marx-Dormoy was part of a crucial path. This path linked Paris to Saint-Denis. This ancient route dates back to the time of the Parisis. They were a Gallic tribe. Paris was then known as Lutetia. The road served the Lendit Fair. The fair was first in La Chapelle. Later it moved to Saint-Denis.
During the Ancien Régime, the road remained vital. French kings used it. They would enter Paris after their coronation. They paused at the Saint-Lazare enclosure. It marked the entrance to Paris. Later, the Saint-Denis barrier formalized this entrance. Louis XVIII was the last king to use this route in 1815.
The portion of the road near La Chapelle was named Faubourg de Gloire. This was in the 17th century. After the Revolution, it became part of La Chapelle. By the early 19th century, it was known as Grande Rue. It stretched from Place de la Chapelle to Avenue du Président Wilson.
In 1860, Paris annexed surrounding communes. La Chapelle became part of Paris. The Grande Rue became officially Rue de la Chapelle in 1867. Finally, in 1945, the street was divided. The first section was named Rue Marx-Dormoy. It honored the French politician René Marx Dormoy. He was assassinated in 1941.
At number 2, you’ll see an impressive Haussmannian building. Louise de Marillac lived here from 1636 to 1641. She co-founded the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. The brasserie Le Capucin is on the ground floor. It replaced a famous restaurant from 1796.
At number 7, the Salle des Fêtes Pérot was established in 1883. It hosted public meetings. Later, it became a cinema. It was known as Cinéma du Lion d’Or. In 1946, it reopened as Mon Ciné. It went through name changes. It became Montréal, then Montréal-Club. In 1981, it screened Indian and Pakistani films. It closed in 1987.
At number 35, the poets Nusch and Paul Éluard resided. Number 51 is known for a heroic act. Mamoudou Gassama rescued a child dangling from a balcony. His climb went viral.
Numbers 55-57 mark the site of the former La Chapelle town hall. It was built in 1845. Today, the Collège Marx-Dormoy stands here.
Rue Marx-Dormoy has witnessed royal processions. It has seen heroic rescues. Today it displays Afghan flags. It continues to evolve. The street is a microcosm of Parisian history.