Did you know that the road you are currently standing on, Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, used to be a bustling thoroughfare connecting Sèvres to Neuilly-sur-Seine? It was once part of a very important network of roads. Today, it’s a tranquil stretch in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, a sprawling park that stretches along the outskirts of Paris. The Route de Sèvres à Neuilly is a historical witness that reminds us of a time when Paris’s boundary was much smaller, and its connections with the surrounding regions much tighter.
This charming road’s history has been marked by several important transformations. Before the 1925 and 1929 annexation of Boulogne-Billancourt and Neuilly to Paris, this road was part of the territories of the two towns. Today though, both towns have been incorporated into Paris, leaving the route as one of the last remaining reminders of their past.
For many years, the road has been a haven for cyclists and pedestrians, enjoying a peaceful coexistence. But since 2021, the road had been temporarily closed to motor vehicles. This decision, taken by the mayor of Paris, aimed to enhance the safety and experience of those traveling by bike and on foot. The decision was met with mixed feelings, with some cyclists praising it and some motorists expressing their discontent. The local courts’ decision in 2023, though, has changed the situation once again. The road is now open again for vehicles, as the courts deemed the closure illegal.
The Route de Sèvres à Neuilly is a path infused with the whispers of history, an enchanting glimpse into the evolution of Paris. Just imagine all the travelers who have walked or driven along this road, going about their lives, connecting towns, and contributing to the flow of history. Today, as you stroll along this road, surrounded by the serene ambiance of the Bois de Boulogne, you’re experiencing a piece of Paris’s past and a reminder of the ongoing journey of connection and change.