Have you ever walked a Parisian street named after a Marshal of France? Welcome to the Avenue de Villars. This seemingly quiet avenue in the 7th arrondissement holds a surprising amount of history. Opened around 1780 it was named to honor Claude Louis Hector de Villars a prominent 18th-century military figure. The avenue itself is relatively short just 172 meters long. It begins at Place Vauban and ends at Rue d’Estrées and Place du Président-Mithouard.
But the Avenue de Villars is more than just a pretty street. Number 7 housed the composers Henri Duparc and Vincent d’Indy. Imagine the melodies that filled these walls. Number 13 was the birthplace of Henry de Montherlant a significant figure in French literature. His home a testament to the creative spirit that once inhabited this area.
Number 14 features a remarkable boulangerie its decor classified as a historical monument. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air for over a century. The mirrors and faience tiles create a timeless atmosphere. The painted ceiling depicting a swallow and a butterfly adds a touch of whimsy to this historic setting.
At number 15 stands a building constructed in 1856. Auguste Émile Leprince-Ringuet an art ebonist and antique furniture dealer lived here. His brother-in-law Léon Marcotte an architect and interior decorator also resided in the building. Together they founded the renowned firm Ringuet-Leprince et L. Marcotte. Their firm operated in both New York and Paris. Their legacy continues to fascinate design enthusiasts.
Finally at number 17 you will find the Austrian Embassy’s defense attaché office and the Austrian Cultural Forum. A testament to the international connections woven into the fabric of this Parisian avenue.
The Avenue de Villars a seemingly unassuming street is rich in history. It tells the stories of great composers writers architects and diplomats. It is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Walk along its path and imagine the echoes of the past. The Avenue de Villars whispers stories of creativity innovation and international relations. A street where history and art intertwine in the heart of Paris.