Marx Dormoy: origin of the name and station history
Served by: metro line 12.
Why this name?
Originally named Torcy, after rue de Torcy (Marquis Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Torcy, 1665-1746, nephew of Colbert), the station took the name Marx Dormoy when the southern part of rue de la Chapelle was renamed. Marx Dormoy (1888-1941), a French politician, was assassinated in Montélimar by Cagoulards. It is the last of a series of eight stations renamed after the Second World War in memory of Resistance fighters who died for France. It lies between the Goutte-d'Or and La Chapelle, near the church of Saint-Denys de la Chapelle, the basilica of Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc, the La Chapelle market and the Jardins d'Éole.
Anecdote
Until 1977 there was an open-air connection to the former Pont-Marcadet station, which disappeared during the building of the underground Paris-Nord station. In the direction of Mairie d'Aubervilliers, the station is preceded by a tight 50 m radius curve, with a speed limit of 35 km/h.
Around Marx Dormoy
- Louxor, 1200 m away — An Egyptian-inspired Art Deco cinema opened in 1921, restored and reopened after decades of neglect.
- Marché Riquet, 210 m away — A lively neighbourhood market, popular with locals for its fresh produce and friendly atmosphere.