Curious how a battle connects to Avenue du Chesnay? This avenue might seem like just another road in the Paris suburbs. But it holds a secret link to a dramatic historical event.
Avenue du Chesnay is part of Le Chesnay. Le Chesnay is a former commune in the Yvelines department of France. It merged with Rocquencourt in 2019 becoming Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt. This area is about 16.7 km from the center of Paris.
Let’s jump back to 1815. Napoleon’s Grande Armée fought its last battle here. It happened in Rocquencourt and Le Chesnay. This was after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Grouchy’s army retreated to Paris. The Prussians were close behind camping at Versailles.
While armistice talks occurred Exelmans attacked the Prussians at Versailles. The Prussians retreated but the French blocked them at Vélizy. The Prussians couldn’t get back into Versailles. They headed for Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
The first Prussian squadron met French fire at Rocquencourt’s entrance. They tried to escape through fields. They ended up in a narrow street in Le Chesnay. Here they were either killed or captured. However the main Prussian force reached Saint-Germain.
So what does this mean for us standing here on Avenue du Chesnay? Imagine the chaos. Picture soldiers fighting in these very streets. Think about the desperation of the Prussian squadron trapped here. This avenue wasn’t just a road then. It was a battlefield.
Today Avenue du Chesnay is likely a peaceful suburban street. But remember its past. It was the site of a small but significant clash in Napoleon’s final days. Next time you pass through remember the soldiers. Remember the battle. Remember the history hidden beneath your feet on Avenue du Chesnay.