A street named after a railway? That’s what piqued my curiosity about Allée d’Andrèzeux. Right here, tucked away in the heart of Paris, is this unusual street. Allée d’Andrèzeux is more than just a hidden lane in the 18th arrondissement.
It’s a tribute to the pioneering spirit of French engineering. You see, the name “Andrèzeux” comes from a commune in the Loire region where, in 1828, France’s first railway line connected Saint-Étienne to Andrèzeux. The street itself is relatively young, established in 1971 during the development of apartment buildings. What’s intriguing is that the land originally belonged to SNCF, the French national railway company. So, while you won’t find steam engines or train tracks here, the name echoes a pivotal moment in French history. It’s a reminder of how innovation can leave its mark, even in the most unexpected places.