Ever wonder where Parisian elegance meets sporting history? Here, on the Route du Champ d’Entraînement, the past whispers stories of aristocrats and athletes. This road in Paris’s 16th arrondissement wasn’t always lined with grand residences. It once bordered the training grounds of the Longchamp Racecourse.
The Route du Champ d’Entraînement owes its name to this proximity. Imagine horses thundering nearby as their riders prepared for the excitement of the racecourse. Today, the sporting fields have replaced the training grounds. Yet, the name remains a reminder of that equestrian past. The road itself stretches about 750 meters. It begins near the Porte de Madrid and ends at the Allée du Bord de l’Eau.
Beyond its sporting origins, the Route du Champ d’Entraînement boasts remarkable buildings. Villa Windsor stands as a testament to a unique chapter in history. This villa at number 4 was built in the late 1920s. For many years, it was home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson lived here from 1952 to 1986. Their presence added a touch of British royalty to this Parisian street.
Later, Mohamed Al-Fayed leased the villa. Princess Diana visited Villa Windsor with Dodi Al-Fayed. This was just hours before their tragic accident in 1997. Today, the Villa Windsor is preparing to open to the public. Soon, visitors can explore its storied halls.
At number 10, another fascinating tale unfolds. Here, the Maharajah of Kapurthala built a private mansion for his wife. She was the dancer Anita Delgado. Today, the property boasts a surprising feature: a vineyard. Xavier Charvin d’Andlau planted vines in 2004. His “Domaine de Paris-Bagatelle” produces a sparkling organic wine. It is one of the few vineyards in the Paris region.
Even now, on the other side of the street, the Emir of Qatar owns property. The Route du Champ d’Entraînement is more than just a street. It’s a blend of sporting history, aristocratic residences, and modern luxury. As you walk along the Route du Champ d’Entraînement, remember its layered past.