A Parisian whisper travels down Allée de la Tour. It speaks of a history older than the elegant buildings lining its length. Before the Allée existed a path wound through Passy a village swallowed by Paris’s growth. This humble Allée de la Tour holds a secret a medieval tower hidden from casual view.
The Allée de la Tour as we know it didn’t always exist. In 1605 it was known as the Chemin des Moines the monks’ path. It connected a Chaillot convent to the Château de la Muette a grand estate. Imagine monks cloaked in grey their footsteps echoing on this very ground. This was long before the Allée de la Tour was even conceived.
Later the path changed. A mill was built on the tower. The name changed again becoming Rue du Moulin-de-la-Tour. The tower itself at number 86 now forms part of the Institut de la Tour. You can glimpse its peak from the intersection with Rue Marceline-Desbordes-Valmore a silent sentinel.
Famous figures have walked this Allée de la Tour. Jean Jaurès resided at number 8. The actress Jane Birkin lived at number 28. Her time here was even captured on film by Agnès Varda in Jane B. by Agnès V. Walk these very stones and imagine their presence.
Number 1 boasts a secret staircase. It descends to the 16th arrondissement’s subterranean quarries. The Allée de la Tour holds more secrets underground than above. The sculptor Jo Davidson had his studio at number 17. Imagine his creative energy filling the air. He even welcomed photographer François Kollar.
The Allée de la Tour stretches from Place de Costa-Rica to Place Tattegrain a long elegant artery. It intersects with many other streets. Each intersection holds its own stories. Each building whispers tales of lives lived and dreams pursued.
The Allée de la Tour evolved. It expanded its reach in 1840 and 1858. A section was even detached in 1896 becoming Rue Adolphe-Yvon. The Allée de la Tour is a living testament to the city’s constant change.
The Allée de la Tour’s story continues. New stories are written every day as Parisians walk its length. Their lives intertwined with the echo of history. Their future yet to be written. But they too will contribute to the Allée de la Tour’s rich narrative. So walk with me and let the Allée de la Tour reveal its secrets to you.