How did Saint-Mandé become the “Neuilly-Sur-Seine of eastern Paris”? It’s a fascinating tale. Saint-Mandé, nestled between the bustling 12th arrondissement and the serene Bois de Vincennes, wasn’t always this small. Imagine a time when it stretched far closer to the heart of Paris.
In the mid-19th century, Paris, hungry for expansion, redrew its borders. The grand fortifications of the Thiers wall were erected. This act carved away a significant chunk of Saint-Mandé, incorporating it into the city’s fabric. The vibrant Bel-Air neighborhood, now part of the 12th arrondissement, was once a piece of Saint-Mandé’s identity.
Then in 1929, another blow. The sprawling Bois de Vincennes, once under Saint-Mandé’s jurisdiction, was absorbed by Paris. These losses left Saint-Mandé as we see it today – a compact haven with a village atmosphere. This history explains its unique charm, a blend of stately bourgeois buildings, grand mansions, and a tranquil ambiance reminiscent of the countryside. It’s no wonder that figures like Victor Hugo, Alfred Grévin, and Georges Courteline found solace within its borders. Today, Saint-Mandé, though geographically small, stands tall with its rich history and unique character, a testament to its resilient spirit.