Did you know that Avenue Matignon is not related to the Hôtel de Matignon? The avenue is a famous street in Paris. It resides in the 8th arrondissement. Let’s explore its history and significance together.
Avenue Matignon got its name in honor of Charles Auguste Goyon de Matignon. He was a Maréchal de France. The avenue’s story began between 1774 and 1780. The Marquis de Marigny opened it. It extended from the Rond-point des Champs-Élysées to Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré.
Originally, part of it was called Allée des Veuves. This section stretched from the Champs-Élysées to Rue Rousselet. In 1837, it was renamed Avenue Matignon. Improvements were made in 1846, enhancing its appeal. Another section north of Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré was known as Petite-Rue-Verte. It later became part of Rue Matignon. The entire route was officially named Avenue Matignon in 1926.
Many notable buildings line Avenue Matignon. At number 3, Fabrice Luchini started as a hair-dresser’s apprentice in the 1960s. Later, Alexandre de Paris, a famous coiffeur, moved his salon here. Galerie Maurice Garnier at number 6 has been dedicated to Bernard Buffet’s work since 1977.
The Berkeley restaurant at number 7 was a popular spot in the 1950s and 1960s. It attracted figures like the Duchess of Windsor and Greta Garbo. Pascal des Deux-Siciles, the Count of Bari, lived at number 8.
Christie’s France, the auction house, is located at number 9. It is housed in a building designed by René Sergent in 1913. Marcel Rochas’s couture house was once at number 12. Later, Parfums Rochas was also located there until 1955.
At number 16 stood the Hôtel de Mortemart. Lucien Lelong had his couture house here from 1924. The building at numbers 20-22 was built in 1976 by Vittorio Mazzucconi. It was for the advertising agency J Walter Thompson. André Beucler, a writer, lived at number 24 from 1948 to 1959.
The Hôtel de La Vaupalière is located at number 25. Today, it houses the headquarters of AXA, an insurance company. The art gallery André Weil is at number 26. Once upon a time, at number 27, the Comte de Fersen lived. He was a friend of Marie-Antoinette. Two salons from his hotel are now at the Musée Carnavalet.
At number 34, you will find the art gallery of Florence de Voldère. It specializes in Flemish paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries. Avenue Matignon is more than just a street. It is a place of history and elegance. It combines art, fashion, and culture.
Avenue Matignon is also known for Le Matignon. This is a Parisian night-life spot designed by Charles Tassin. It is located near the Champs-Élysées. The restaurant is elegant and modern, serving homemade cuisine and signature dishes.