Here, on Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre, history and modernity intertwine. This avenue in the 18th arrondissement is more than just a street. It’s a testament to Paris’s ever-evolving story.
The Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre begins at 142 Boulevard Ney. It concludes at the intersection of Rue du Docteur-Babinski and Rue Jean-Henri-Fabre. You might notice how Rue Charles-Schmidt in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine precedes it. Also, how Rue du Poteau extends from it maintaining the same alignment.
The avenue’s story begins in 1926. It gets its name from its location. It sits partly on the old Porte de Montmartre of the Thiers wall. This gate once led through the fortifications.
Originally, part of the avenue lay between Boulevard Ney and the fortifications’ edge. This section was built on bastion number 38 of the Thiers wall. Interestingly, the extension belonged to Rue Montmartre in Saint-Ouen. Paris annexed it in 1930.
Montmartre itself boasts a rich history. Once a village, it was annexed by Paris in 1860. The hill was known for its stone quarries, gypsum mines, windmills, and vineyards. In the mid-19th century, it became popular. Many cafes, cabarets, and dance halls opened.
The Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre links to this past. It represents a connection between Montmartre’s village charm and Parisian life. Even today, some view this as a good neighborhood.
Imagine this avenue in the early 20th century. Artists strolled along it. They were on their way to the heart of Montmartre. They sought inspiration in its heights.
The Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre has witnessed many changes. It began as part of a defense system. Then it became a link between two communities. It’s now a bustling part of Paris.
Today, as you walk along Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre, consider its history. Think of the Thiers wall. Imagine the gate that once stood here. Reflect on the artists who made Montmartre famous. Avenue de la Porte de Montmartre is a reminder of Paris’s layered past. It is a place where different eras meet.