Was there ever a time, I wonder, when Avenue des Terrasses echoed with the sounds of a royal estate? Today we stroll along a public way in the 17th arrondissement. Avenue des Terrasses is a reminder of a bygone era.
The story of Avenue des Terrasses begins with land once belonging to the Château de Monceau. Imagine a grand estate. It was a place of leisure and privilege. This area was known as the “chantier de la Terrasse”. This translates to “Terrace construction site”. Avenue des Terrasses derives its name from this historical plot.
Let’s step back in time. The road’s origins can be traced back to a map by Jouvin de Rochefort in 1672. This shows it within the former commune of Batignolles. It offers a glimpse into the area’s early development.
Étienne Desfriches was a Lord of Montceau. He built a chapel within the Château de Monceau grounds. This chapel stood at the corner of today’s Avenue des Terrasses and Rue de Tocqueville. Consecrated in 1529, it served the Monceau villagers until 1828.
In the 19th century, the avenue had a unique layout. It formed a right angle. It ended at Rue de Chazelles. A decree officially incorporated it into Parisian infrastructure.
Avenue des Terrasses has some interesting buildings. Number 8bis is an example. It was designed by architects Henri Preslier and Germain Dorel in 1924. Inside the courtyard is a unique feature. One of its staircases is open-air and without an elevator. Numbers 16 and 18 is an corner building. It was created in 1902 by architect Charles Lefebvre.
Now, I want you to imagine something else. Picture yourself seated at a café terrace. Paris is known for its terrace culture. It is a way of life. Cafés and terraces have been social hubs since the 1600s. They are places to share ideas and catch up on news. Terraces offer fresh air. They let people socialize outside small apartments.
There are terraces everywhere in Paris. It would take almost 30 years to visit them all. So many terraces, so little time. On Parisian terraces there are some unwritten rules. If you are eating, choose a table with silverware. If you’re just drinking, choose one without. It is best not to be too loud. If you are in a group, ask for help before moving tables.
If you’re a smoker, be mindful of others nearby. Many café chairs face the street. This is for people-watching.
Avenue des Terrasses, a street with a history. It began as part of a château. Today it is a public street. It is a reminder of Paris’s rich past. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet.