Remember those old stone gatekeepers standing firm? They lend their name to this very place Avenue des Pavillons-sous-Bois. We are about to uncover the secrets of this charming avenue.
Avenue des Pavillons-sous-Bois owes its existence to a division. The split occurred in 1905. Les Pavillons-sous-Bois became its own town separating from Bondy. The avenue tips its hat to two guardhouses. These once stood at the entrance of the Château du Raincy estate. These pavillons gave the town its unique identity.
Picture this: the 1700s. The area now known as Avenue des Pavillons-sous-Bois was a part of the vast Bondy Forest. These woods had a shady reputation. Highwaymen roamed within.
Fast forward to 1769. The Orléans family acquired the Raincy estate. They built two guard pavilions near a spot called la Fourche. This marked the entrance to the château. These pavilions became the area’s only landmarks. Today after 235 years, restored they stand near the RN 3 and avenue Jean-Jaurès.
The Château du Raincy fell into neglect after 1793. Philippe Égalité Duke of Orléans was arrested. He was later executed during the Reign of Terror. The estate changed hands. The Orléans family regained ownership in 1819. However the château was gone.
The avenue has seen many changes. The area evolved into a residential district. The “Coquetiers” railway line brought Parisians seeking affordable land. “Bondy-Forêt” grew. Separatist sentiments arose. The push for administrative autonomy gained momentum.
On January 3 1905 Les Pavillons-sous-Bois was officially born. Several names were considered for the town. Ultimately “Les Pavillons-sous-Bois” was chosen. This honored both the guard pavilions and the Bondy Forest.
The town continued its development. It drew Parisians seeking cheaper land. The “Coquetiers” line made commuting easier. By 1911 Les Pavillons-sous-Bois had 3646 residents.
Before World War I a waste treatment plant operated north of the Canal de l’Ourcq. This area known as “La Poudrette” posed sanitation challenges. These issues persisted until the late 20th century.
After the war a new industrial zone emerged north of the canal. New schools and sports facilities arose. In the 1960s a new town hall was built along with cultural venues. Efforts to improve drainage began in the 1990s.
Local historians fought to protect the guard pavilions. The town acquired the east pavilion in 1986. Restoration was completed in 1998. The west pavilion was acquired and restored in 2002.
Today Avenue des Pavillons-sous-Bois retains its charm. It is a blend of past and present. The town strives to protect its quality of life. A local urban plan aims to preserve its character. The banks of the canal have been transformed into recreational spaces.
The name “Les Pavillons-sous-Bois” whispers tales of guard houses. It tells of royal estates and ancient forests. It embodies a unique identity forged through history. Take a moment to appreciate the avenue’s unique story.