Imagine a time when Passy was a rural commune. Avenue Raymond-Poincaré stands before us now. It whispers tales of transformation. This avenue in the 16th arrondissement has a rich history. It stretches 950 meters long and 23.5 meters wide.
Originally, this area was outside Paris’s limits. Several small villages dotted the landscape. Paris was smaller then. The avenue’s story began in 1826. The Société des terrains de la plaine de Passy shaped the area. This company divided the rural land. It lay between Avenue de Neuilly and Rue de Longchamp. The old faisanderie of the parc de la Muette bordered it to the west.
Avenue Raymond-Poincaré was once part of a larger route. It included the current Avenue de Malakoff. Together, they formed a straight line. This line ran from the Sainte-Marie barrier. It ended near Avenue de Neuilly. Avenue Victor-Hugo and Avenue Raymond-Poincaré formed a central place. This is the current Place Victor-Hugo.
In 1839, it became part of route départementale 9. For a time, it was known as Avenue Saint-Denis. Development around Avenue Raymond-Poincaré started in the 1850s. The opening of Avenue de l’Impératrice spurred growth. Now, this is Avenue Foch. The Auteuil line with the Porte Dauphine station also helped. Before this, construction was limited. It only extended to the avenue’s southeast part.
Later, the avenue was named Avenue de Malakoff. This commemorated the battle of the same name. Finally, it received its current name. This honors Raymond Poincaré. He was the former President of the French Republic. He served from 1913 to 1920.
Along Avenue Raymond-Poincaré, notable buildings stand. The Ugandan embassy is at number 13. Gaston Monnerville, a former Senate president, lived at number 27. A commemorative plaque marks his residence. The Banque des États de l’Afrique centrale has an office at number 48.
At number 59, find the Hôtel Pauilhac. Charles Letrosne built this in a Neo-Gothic style. Alfred Nobel conducted experiments here from 1873 to 1891. Jean Cocteau once lived at number 62. He resided on the first floor with his mother. The École-Collège Saint-Honoré d’Eylau is at number 66. The Église Saint-Honoré-d’Eylau is at number 66 bis. The Laos embassy is at number 74. Engineer Ambroise Goupy lived at number 81. He invented the first engine-powered triplane. The Ivorian embassy is at number 102.
In 1960, Éric Peugeot was freed. This occurred at the corner of Rue Lauriston and Avenue Raymond-Poincaré. Today, Avenue Raymond-Poincaré stands as a testament. It reflects Parisian history and architectural evolution. From rural beginnings to embassies and historic residences, it encapsulates Parisian life.