Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey

What if I told you that this very spot, Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey, was once part of a formidable defensive wall? Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey, a distinguished thoroughfare in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, stretches between Square Tolstoï and Place de la Porte-d’Auteuil. It’s named after Marshal Louis Hubert Gonzalve Lyautey, a prominent figure in French history, who served as the first Resident-General of the French protectorate in Morocco. Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey wasn’t always this peaceful boulevard. It was carved out of the former site of bastions 61 and 62 of the Thiers wall, a defensive structure built around Paris in the mid-19th century. Imagine the transformation, from military stronghold to elegant avenue. Opened in 1929, Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey quickly became a sought-after address. Interestingly, the avenue is only built up on its eastern side. On the west side, a tree-lined promenade separates it from the Allée des Fortifications, providing a scenic path for cyclists and pedestrians. Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey holds more secrets than meet the eye. The number 25 once housed Danielle and François Mitterrand at the beginning of his political career. At number 47 resided Alexandre de Marenches, the Director-General of the SDECE, the French foreign intelligence service. As you stroll along Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey, you’ll notice the proximity to the Auteuil Racecourse and the Bois de Boulogne, adding a touch of leisure and greenery to this historic avenue. Two tranquil squares, Square Alfred-Capus and Square Tolstoï, offer peaceful respites from the city’s hustle and bustle. So, the next time you find yourself on Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, from military fortifications to the residences of influential figures, all woven into the fabric of this unique Parisian avenue.