Isn’t it remarkable how a simple boulevard can tell such a grand story? This is Boulevard Berthier. It is located in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. This boulevard is part of the Boulevards des Maréchaux.
Boulevard Berthier stretches 1750 meters. Its width varies. It is 37 meters wide from Avenue de Clichy to the railway bridge. It widens to 60 meters between Rue de Saussure and Boulevard Malesherbes. The rest of the boulevard is 40 meters wide.
The story of Boulevard Berthier begins in 1861. It was created along the Thiers wall. This replaced the Rue Militaire. In 1864, it was renamed Boulevard Berthier.
The boulevard honors Louis Alexandre Berthier. He was a Marshal of France. Berthier was also the Prince of Neufchâtel and Wagram.
Many famous artists settled here in the late 19th century. They sought the constant northern light for their studios.
Let’s explore some remarkable buildings. At number 8 are the Ateliers Berthier. These were once workshops for the Opéra Garnier. In 2003, they became a theater. This is an annex of the Théâtre de l’Odéon.
Number 13 gives access to the Parc Clichy-Batignolles Martin Luther King. At number 19 was the studio of painter Georges d’Espagnat. He lived from 1870 to 1950.
The painter Paul Chabas had his studio at number 23. Singer Yvette Guilbert lived at number 23 bis. Her American husband commissioned this mansion. Xavier Schoellkopf designed it in 1900.
Raymond Gourron, also known as Albert Alvarez, lived at number 23 ter. He was an opera singer. Albert-Joseph Sélonier built this neo-Gothic mansion in 1902.
Gaston Guignard, a painter, had his studio at number 25. René Billotte’s studio was at number 29. Pierre Carrier-Belleuse lived and worked at number 31 from 1885 to 1932. A plaque commemorates him.
Alfred Roll had his studio at number 33. It was on the corner of Rue Alfred-Roll. The old cinema Le Berthier was located at number 35.
Ernest Ange Duez had his studio at number 39. This mansion is now home to the Société protectrice des animaux SPA.
John Singer Sargent had his studio at number 41. Later, Giovanni Boldini took over the studio. Georges Rodenbach, author of Bruges-la-Morte, lived at number 43. A plaque marks his last residence.
Photographers Lucien Lorelle and Marcel Amson opened their studio at number 47 in 1927. The Maison Dumas, at number 51, showcases Art Nouveau style. Paul Sédille designed it.
Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse had his studio at number 61. Preston Sturges, the American filmmaker, also lived here. Gaëtan Lo Méo acquired number 63. He installed his mother-in-law, Marie-Renée Ucciani, in the artist’s studio.
Colette Deréal, an actress and singer, resided at number 65. Jean-Charles Cuttoli, a film director, also lived here. Édouard Doigneau, a painter, had his home and studio at number 67.
A school group was built at number 76. Alexis Dresse and Léon Oudin were the architects. The Embassy of Moldova is located at number 95.
An Art Deco residential complex is located at number 100. Marcel Hennequet built it in 1925. Raoul Dufy created a mural for a dining room here from 1927 to 1933.
Pierre Fournier designed the school at number 112 in 1939. Low-rent buildings are at numbers 134-142. Joseph Bassompierre, Paul de Rutté, and Paul Sirvin designed them. Alexandre and Julie Weill Foundation buildings stand at numbers 174-176. Auguste Perret constructed them in 1952.
Boulevard Berthier is more than just a street. It is a journey through art history. It is a testament to Parisian elegance. It is a vibrant slice of the city’s cultural heritage.