Ever wondered about the story behind the name Bessières as you stand here? The Boulevard Bessières is more than just a street. It is a journey through Parisian history. Let’s delve into the past of this iconic boulevard.
The Boulevard Bessières is part of the outer boulevards. These boulevards are known as the Boulevards des Maréchaux. They form a ring around Paris. Construction began in 1861. This was along the Thiers wall where the Rue Militaire once stood. The boulevard was named in March 1864. It was named after Jean-Baptiste Bessières. He was a Marshal of France and the Duke of Istria.
Imagine Paris in the 19th century. The area around Boulevard Bessières was mostly fields and marshlands. Monceau, Batignolles, and Épinettes were rural. These areas were part of the Clichy commune outside Paris. In 1814, earthworks began.
Foreign armies invaded in March 1814. Marshal Moncey gathered 15,000 volunteers. They defended the Clichy barrier now called Porte de Clichy. This resistance continued until the armistice on March 30 1814.
Later in 1830, Monceau and Batignolles became independent villages. Batignolles included the agricultural area of Épinettes.
The fortifications of Thiers were built in the 19th century. They encircled Paris. These fortifications included a military road. This road is now the Boulevard Bessières. There were also bastions and a wide parapet. A dry moat and a glacis completed the defenses.
The fortifications became obsolete in the 20th century. Parisians saw them as recreation areas. The “Fortifs” became a popular destination.
After 1919, the fortifications were decommissioned. The land was given to Paris. The city planned green spaces and social housing. The Boulevard Militaire became a large inner ring road. East of Porte de Clichy, it was named after Marshal Bessières.
In 1937, the Bessières school group was built. It was named for its location on Boulevard Bessières. Schools on the Boulevards des Maréchaux were built of brick in the 1930s. Trees were planted nearby.
During World War II, the Bessières primary school closed. It housed Polish soldiers. Later, it became a German headquarters. The Germans used bastion 43 for exercises.
In 1957, the École Nationale de Commerce was built on Boulevard Bessières. This school promoted technical education. It focused on business and tourism.
In 1980, the Square des Épinettes was expanded. It was also renovated. In 2000, a new police center opened at 46 Boulevard Bessières.
Today, the Boulevard Bessières is a bustling part of Paris. It has schools, businesses, and residential buildings. The lycée Honoré-de-Balzac stands at number 118. The École Nationale de Commerce is at number 70. Number 46 is a police station.
As you stroll along Boulevard Bessières today. Remember its layers of history. From fortifications to schools to police stations, the boulevard has transformed. It reflects the evolving spirit of Paris.