“A crossroads of history and artistry” that is the feeling I get about Allée de Clichy. But, wait a minute. Are we in Clichy or Le Raincy? It seems that Allée de Clichy that we are about to explore is not in Paris. This Allée de Clichy is located in Le Raincy. It is a street with a rich history.
Now let’s talk about a location that may be more familiar: Place de Clichy in Paris. This bustling square sits in the northwest of Paris. It is where the Boulevard de Clichy meets other major streets. These include Avenue de Clichy, Rue de Clichy, and Boulevard des Batignolles. Also the Rue d’Amsterdam converges here.
Place de Clichy marks the former site of the Barrière de Clichy. This was an old gateway in the Wall of the Farmers-General. It led to the village of Clichy.
Interestingly Place de Clichy is one of the few spots where four arrondissements meet. The 8th, 9th, 17th, and 18th arrondissements all converge here. Pont Saint-Michel and the Belleville roundabout are similar spots in Paris.
Unlike some areas in Paris Place de Clichy has avoided urban planning. This gives its buildings a diverse look. It feels more like a busy intersection than a typical public square.
The area around Place de Clichy teems with life. There are shops, restaurants, and businesses. A popular cinema adds to the vibrant atmosphere day and night.
In March 1814 Paris faced a major threat. Some 800000 soldiers from foreign armies approached. They broke through barriers at Belleville and Pantin. Then they captured Montmartre. The Garde Nationale defended Paris from Clichy to Neuilly. They numbered 70000 men. Maréchal de Moncey led the defense at the Barrière de Clichy.
Moncey gathered 15000 volunteers. These included students from prestigious schools. Despite their lack of experience they fought bravely. They resisted the Russian forces until an armistice was declared on March 30 1814.
A six-meter bronze statue honors de Moncey. Amédée Donatien Doublemard created it. The statue stands on an eight-meter pedestal.
The Place de Clichy Métro station serves this area. Lines 2 and 13 provide easy access.
Place de Clichy has appeared in various art forms. Michel Polnareff mentions it in his song “Rosy.” Yves Simon references it in “Le Film de Polanski.” Vincent Delerm has a song titled “Place Clichy.” Julien Clerc also has a song with the same name. The rap group Sexion d’Assaut often mentions Place de Clichy in their songs. One of its members grew up there.
In film François Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows” features scenes near Place de Clichy. Henry Miller’s work inspired the film “Stille dage i Clichy.”
Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s novel “Voyage au bout de la nuit” begins at Place de Clichy. Henry Miller’s “Jours tranquilles à Clichy” describes his life around the area. Georges Perec’s novel “Un homme qui dort” ends at Place de Clichy.
Pierre Bonnard painted the place in 1912. He painted it from the terrace of the Brasserie Wepler. Édouard Manet and Paul Signac also created paintings of Place de Clichy.