Rue Parmentier

Anchored in the vibrant tapestry of Lille, Rue Parmentier whispers tales of transformation. Once a simple path leading towards the old Fort, Rue Parmentier ran nearly parallel to today’s Rue du Général de Gaulle. Around 1900, the street received its name, honoring Antoine Parmentier. This military pharmacist, during his time as a Prussian prisoner, discovered the nutritional power of the potato. He then championed its widespread adoption in France. In the early 20th century, Rue Parmentier was a tranquil lane lined with farms and houses. This changed in the late 1920s with the arrival of a social housing project. These modest, terraced houses, part of the Habitations à Bon Marché (HBM) program, provided affordable homeownership for the growing middle class. A 1930s photograph captures the youthful families and abundance of children that characterized this new community. Across the street stood older structures, including a well-preserved tavern named “Au Forgeron” (The Blacksmith). In 1928, this location became home to the renowned engraver, Louis Frézin. His son, Roger, would later achieve acclaim as a painter and professor at the Lille Beaux-Arts. The HBM houses on Rue Parmentier have remarkably withstood the test of time. Their solid construction has ensured their longevity. Once considered small, they now offer surprisingly spacious accommodations by modern standards. Their proximity to the metro, offering a swift connection to Paris in under 90 minutes, further enhances their desirability. The tavern and Frézin’s workshop are gone, replaced by a luxury residence. Rue Parmentier is now fully developed. Only the cars of residents and metro commuters from the nearby Mons-Sarts station punctuate the street’s quiet rhythm. Recently, the city of Lille made a symbolic gesture, renaming the street after Jeanne Parmentier, a local Resistance figure from Mons. The first HBM house on the corner now bears the inscription: “Jeanne Parmentier, Resistance fighter of both World Wars.” Rue Parmentier stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Lille, blending its rich past with its vibrant present.