Avenue de Marigny. Does the name ring a bell? This avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris has a story that stretches back to the 18th century. It is named after a man who shaped the Champs-Élysées.
The Avenue de Marigny we stand on today wasn’t always here. The Marquis de Marigny created it around 1765. He was Abel François Poisson. He was also the brother of Madame de Pompadour. At the time, it was known as Rue de Marigny. Marigny was the Director General of the King’s Buildings. He redesigned the Champs-Élysées. He also opened this avenue.
Look to the east side of the Avenue de Marigny. See the park and the Palais de l’Élysée? The avenue runs alongside it. The wall and the fence were built during the Second Empire. It was between 1857 and 1861. The architect Lacroix oversaw the work. Along the Avenue de Marigny you can see different parts of the Palais. There is the Salle des Fêtes built under the Third Republic. You can see the Winter Garden. The grand salon, named after Napoleon III, is also visible. There is also a side wing with offices. A carriage entrance leads to the palace’s service courtyard.
Avenue de Marigny is 248 meters long. It begins at 34 Avenue Gabriel. It ends at 59 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré. The nearest metro station is Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau. It is served by lines 1 and 13.
During the Trois Glorieuses, or Three Glorious Days, this avenue saw conflict. Insurgents and troops clashed here.
Number 1 bis on the Avenue de Marigny is the Théâtre Marigny. Hotel Talhouët is at number 1 and 34 Avenue Gabriel. Auguste Pellechet built it in 1861. It was for Mathieu Dollfus. He was an industrialist from Alsace. John Steinbeck rented an apartment here in 1954. He wrote articles for Le Figaro.
At number 3, you will find a private mansion. Jean-Charles Moreux designed it. It was for Baron Robert de Rothschild. His son Alain de Rothschild lived here later. Today, Baron Éric de Rothschild owns it.
Numbers 7 to 23 form the Hôtel de Marigny. The state has owned it since 1972. Until 2008, it housed visiting heads of state. Now, it is an annex of the Palais de l’Élysée.
Pierre Cardin’s headquarters were at number 27. The couturier’s office was on the third floor.
The Avenue de Marigny whispers stories of royalty. It also tells of revolution and artistic inspiration. As you continue your walk, remember the avenue’s rich past. Think about the people who shaped it. Consider the events that unfolded here. It is a small street with a grand history.