Allée Basse du Village Anglais

Tucked away in Suresnes, a charming enclave known as Allée Basse du Village Anglais beckons with a touch of British charm. This picturesque street, part of the larger “Village Anglais,” transports visitors to a quaint English town, far from the bustling streets of Paris. The Allée Basse du Village Anglais is a testament to a unique period in French history. It reflects an era of Anglophilia, sparked by the Entente Cordiale of 1904 and the visit of King Edward VII in 1903. This fondness for all things British influenced architecture and design across France. The Allée Basse du Village Anglais exemplifies this trend perfectly. The area’s charming brick houses, with their pointed roofs and white-wood shutters, evoke images of cozy English cottages. Many houses boast small, charming gardens that border the street. The Allée Basse du Village Anglais embodies three distinct pavilion styles, each varying in size. The use of brick, millstone, and ashlar, coupled with tiled roofs, creates a harmonious aesthetic. Some houses even feature exposed beams, reminiscent of half-timbered English homes. This cohesive architectural style, with its two-story design and dual-pitched roofs, gives the Allée Basse du Village Anglais its distinctive character. Interestingly, the name “Village Anglais” isn’t an official designation. It’s a nickname bestowed by locals, further adding to the area’s mystique. The Allée Basse du Village Anglais’s creation is intertwined with the history of Suresnes itself. The area was once home to the Meunier Dyeing Factory, which closed at the end of the 19th century. The Schwob brothers, property developers, acquired the land and ceded some to the city for new housing. After World War I, Mayor Henri Sellier, a champion of urban planning and housing, revived the project. He renamed the streets to Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle and Rue des Conférences de Suresnes. The “Village Anglais” homes were finally built in 1923, showcasing the popular Anglo-Norman style. As you stroll along Allée Basse du Village Anglais, imagine yourself transported to a quiet English village. Picture the aroma of Earl Grey tea wafting from the windows, a testament to the enduring charm of this unique Parisian enclave.