“Was he a city planner or a revolutionary?” That is what many wonder about Avenue de Brazza.
Avenue de Brazza is a notable street in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It offers a glimpse into both Parisian history and French colonial connections. Let’s explore its story.
The street begins at 68 Avenue de la Bourdonnais. It ends at Place Joffre. Avenue de Brazza stretches 95 meters and is 12 meters wide.
Avenue de Brazza owes its name to Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. He was a famous explorer. Brazza also gave his name to Brazzaville. That city is the capital of the Republic of the Congo.
The street’s creation dates back to the early 20th century. It was built on land that was once part of the Champ de Mars. Until then this area was a non constructible zone. The demolition of the Galerie des Machines in 1909 offered an opportunity. This demolition allowed the city to develop the area. Bourgeois buildings of cut stone were constructed. Most were built after World War I.
Several notable people have lived on Avenue de Brazza. Marie Laurencin was an artist-painter. She lived at number 1 in 1931. In 1943, she had a studio there on the top floor. The German writer Ernst Jünger visited her there. He described the studio as a dollhouse. He thought it was like a fairy garden. He noted the dominant color was a fresh green mixed with a bit of pink. That was her favorite color.
Georges Berthoulat lived at number 6. He was a politician. He died in his home there in 1930.
Avenue de Brazza has a direct connection to Brazzaville. Brazzaville was founded by Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. He founded it during the Scramble for Africa. Brazza officially founded Brazzaville on September 10, 1880.
Brazzaville is located on the north side of the Congo River. It faces Kinshasa. Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brazzaville served as the capital of Free France from 1940 to 1942 during World War II. The Brazzaville Declaration was an attempt to redefine the relationship between France and its African colonies.
So, as we stand here on Avenue de Brazza. We connect France to Africa. We link art to politics. We see how one street can embody so much history.