Avenue des Gardes Suisses

Hidden in plain sight, the Avenue des Gardes Suisses whispers tales of an elite regiment. This avenue in Rueil-Malmaison takes its name from the former barracks of the Swiss Guards. These soldiers, a prestigious corps during the Ancien Régime, were entrusted with the crucial task of protecting the French king. The Avenue des Gardes Suisses stands as a quiet reminder of their presence. The Swiss Guards, established by King Louis XIII in 1616, initially found lodging amongst the townspeople. However, by 1756, King Louis XV commissioned the construction of barracks in Rueil, Courbevoie, and Saint-Denis to house his guards. The barracks on Avenue des Gardes Suisses, designed by architect Axel Guillaumot, played a significant role in the regiment’s history. Every week, a detachment of Swiss Guards would journey along the Chemin des Suisses to Versailles. There, they would form the prestigious honor guard, a visible symbol of the king’s authority and the guards’ loyalty. Tragically, this loyalty led to a grim fate on August 10, 1792. The Swiss Guards were massacred at the Tuileries Palace while defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The Avenue des Gardes Suisses, therefore, represents not only the daily life of these soldiers but also their unwavering dedication to their duty, which ultimately led to their demise. Today, the former barracks at Rueil-Malmaison, classified as a historical monument since 1973, offers a glimpse into the world of the Swiss Guards. Avenue des Gardes Suisses serves as a tangible link to this rich history. It invites us to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of these soldiers who, far from their homeland, played a pivotal role in the French monarchy.