“Why Madrid?” I ask. Did you know this Parisian walkway’s name evokes images of Spain, yet it resides in the heart of Paris? This is the Allée de Madrid à Neuilly. It is a pathway with a curious name and a connection to French royalty.
The Allée de Madrid à Neuilly is located in the 16th arrondissement. More precisely, it is situated in the northwest of the Bois de Boulogne. This verdant space offers a tranquil escape from the city.
The name “Madrid” comes from the Château de Madrid. This royal residence once stood in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Neuilly-sur-Seine was annexed to Paris in 1929. The Allée de Madrid à Neuilly runs alongside the former site of this grand estate.
King François I ordered the construction of the Château de Madrid. Building began in 1528. His son, Henri II, completed the work. The Château de Madrid was entirely demolished in the late 18th century. Today, it would be found at the intersection of Boulevard du Commandant-Charcot and Boulevard Richard-Wallace.
Some historians suggest the Château de Madrid was inspired by Madrid’s Royal Alcazar in Spain. Both structures featured similar designs such as being built near a forest and having loggias. However, Madrid’s reconstruction occurred after the Château de Madrid.
Another theory suggests that the name arose from King François I’s habits. After his captivity in Madrid, courtiers would jokingly say he was “in Madrid” when he disappeared to the Château de Boulogne. The château’s decor featured enameled tiles like Spanish azulejos. This further fueled the Madrid association.
The Château de Madrid’s design also drew inspiration from Italy. The villa of Boffalora near Busseto was an influence. French designs from Chenonceau and Chambord also played a role.
Girolamo della Robbia adorned the Château de Madrid with enameled terracotta. This made it famous. It was even called the Château de Faïence.
Charles IX and Catherine de Médicis favored the Château de Madrid. Political events preceding the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre unfolded there in 1572.
King Louis XIV lost interest in the Château de Madrid after Versailles was completed. Jean Hindret established France’s first stocking factory there in 1656. The Château provided housing.
By 1787, the château was falling into ruin. King Louis XVI ordered its sale for demolition. An entrepreneur bought it and sold its materials. He abandoned the demolition.
Under the Restoration, the land was divided. A clinic, a stud farm, and a restaurant appeared on the site. In 1909, a neo-Renaissance hotel-restaurant replaced the older structures. In the 1950s, it was converted into apartments.
Today, only fragments of the Château de Madrid remain. A stone capital is displayed at the Château d’Écouen. The Musée Carnavalet and the Musée National de Céramique hold three ceramic pieces.
The Allée de Madrid à Neuilly stretches for 580 meters. It is 35 meters wide. It begins at Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi and ends at Route de la Muette à Neuilly. As you stroll down the Allée de Madrid à Neuilly, remember its royal history.