“Victory can be a street.” That might sound strange. But here at Place de Narvik, victory has a location. This is a beautiful plaza in Paris’s 8th arrondissement. It sits in the Europe neighborhood.
Place de Narvik is at the intersection of several streets. These are avenue de Messine and rues de la Bienfaisance. Also rues Treilhard, de Téhéran, and du Docteur-Lancereaux. The closest metro station is Miromesnil. It is served by lines 13 and 9.
The Place de Narvik got its name in memory of a battle. It remembers the victory of the French-Polish-British during the Battle of Narvik. That battle took place in Norway during World War II. It happened in April and May 1940.
This plaza opened in 1862. But it didn’t get its current name until 1955.
Look at the building at number 6 Place de Narvik. This is a highlight here. It is a particulier dating to the 19th century. Its style is neo-Renaissance. The building features a large pediment. This holds an elegant porch entryway.
The facade has a large sculptural plaque. Paul Landowski created it. It commemorates the Battle of Narvik. This battle was Hitler’s first major defeat.
There is a Netflix movie about the battle. It shows the battle’s effect on the town’s people.
Around Place de Narvik, the avenues once echoed with the clip-clop of horses. Imagine horse-drawn carriages. They carried Parisians to grand social events. Today, the sounds are different. Cars, buses, and the distant hum of the Metro fill the air. Yet, the plaza retains its sense of history.
The area around Place de Narvik has changed much since 1862. Buildings have been updated. Shops have come and gone. But the plaza remains a place of memory. It reminds everyone of the sacrifices made during the war.
Take a moment to reflect on the name “Narvik”. Think about the soldiers who fought there. They came from France, Poland, and Britain. They fought together for freedom. This place honors their courage.
So, as you admire Place de Narvik, remember its history. It is more than just a beautiful plaza. It is a symbol of courage. It is a testament to the strength of allies. It is a place where victory is remembered.