Rue de Franqueville

Hidden within the elegant 16th arrondissement, Rue de Franqueville whispers tales of Parisian history. Rue de Franqueville isn’t just a street; it’s a journey through time. This seemingly quiet street, connecting Boulevard Suchet near Porte de la Muette to the heart of the 16th arrondissement, holds surprising stories. Rue de Franqueville boasts stunning Haussmann-era buildings, their facades imposing and grand. Yet, nestled among these architectural marvels are walls draped in vibrant greenery. A curious sight along Rue de Franqueville is the Saudi Arabian Military Legion, its Greek-style architecture a surprising contrast to its Parisian surroundings. Named after the French engineer Alfred Charles Ernest Franquet de Franqueville (1809-1876), the street opened in 1904. The heirs of Franqueville developed the street within the grounds of the former Parc de la Muette. A notable incident occurred in 1906 when striking masons attempted to persuade workers on construction sites along Rue de Franqueville and nearby streets to join their strike. This resulted in clashes and numerous arrests. Today, number 6 Rue de Franqueville houses the Permanent Delegation of Finland to the OECD. It was once the home of race car driver Gilles Hourgières (Georges Huillier), who died there in 1919. Number 15 bis is now home to the Canadian delegation to the OECD but was once the private mansion of industrialist Guy de Wendel. The Rothschild family took up residence at number 19 in 1922. Number 23 marks the entrance to Rue André-Pascal, leading to the Château de la Muette, the headquarters of the OECD. A car bomb exploded outside the OECD on July 21, 1986, shattering windows for hundreds of meters, though thankfully causing no casualties. Even in cinema, Rue de Franqueville has played a role. The fictional character Rafael Dacosta, from Luis Buñuel’s film “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie,” supposedly resided at number 2, at the corner of Rue Maspero. Rue de Franqueville, a tranquil haven in the bustling city, offers a glimpse into Paris’s rich past and its enduring allure.