What if this boulevard could talk? The Boulevard de Vincennes holds stories within its asphalt and buildings. Let’s walk along this iconic Parisian avenue and uncover some of its secrets.
The Boulevard de Vincennes is more than just a street. It’s a place where history and modern life intertwine. This avenue, situated in the 12th and 20th arrondissements, provides access to Saint-Mandé.
The Avenue de la Porte-de-Vincennes extends on either side of the Paris ring road. Connecting ramps link the Avenue de la Porte-de-Vincennes to the Paris ring road. These ramps are part of the Porte de Vincennes interchange on the Paris ring road.
Its story begins with Louis XIV. He envisioned a grand route from the Château de Vincennes to the Arc-de-Triomphe du Trône. This was around 1660. The avenue was lined with elm trees.
The Boulevard de Vincennes has evolved over centuries. In 1860, Paris expanded. The Cours de Vincennes became part of Paris. Previously, it was shared with Saint-Mandé. Saint-Mandé renamed its section Avenue Gallieni. This honored General Joseph Gallieni.
After the Thiers wall was demolished, Paris annexed more of Saint-Mandé. The annexed section of Avenue Gallieni became the Avenue de la Porte-de-Vincennes. This name linked it to the old Porte de Vincennes. The Porte de Vincennes was a gate in the Thiers wall.
The Avenue de la Porte-de-Vincennes also formed part of Route Nationale 34. In the past, you might have seen the tramways of the Société des chemins de fer nogentais rolling along here.
Today, the Boulevard de Vincennes is accessible via metro line 1. You can get off at Porte de Vincennes or Saint-Mandé stations. The odd numbers belong to the 20th arrondissement. The even numbers fall within the 12th arrondissement.
At number 10, you’ll find the Chapelle Sainte-Bernadette. It is used as Notre-Dame-de-Velankanni. This serves the Indian Tamil Catholic chaplaincy.
At number 23, there was an Hyper Cacher supermarket. Sadly, it was the site of a hostage crisis. This happened at the corner of Rue Albert-Willemetz.
The Boulevard de Vincennes is also near the Porte de Vincennes. This is a bustling area at the edge of the 12th and 20th arrondissements. It’s a major entry point to Paris from the east.
Imagine the boulevard in different eras. From royal processions to bustling markets, it has seen much. Its name reminds us of its historical role as a gateway to Paris.