“An alley leading to history.” That’s what Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées is. It is a private road in Paris’s 19th arrondissement. Let’s step back in time.
Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées is found in the Combat neighborhood. This alley is not very long. It stretches only 127 meters. It’s also quite narrow at about 5 meters wide.
The Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées follows the route of a former passage. This passage was Passage Lauzin. Passage Lauzin connected Rue Lauzin to Rue de Belleville. The area was redeveloped in the 1960s.
The Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées was created in 1975. It was part of the redevelopment of Îlot 7, secteur Rébeval-Est.
But who was Gabrielle d’Estrées? She was a favorite of King Henry IV. Gabrielle gave him three recognized children. That’s quite a legacy to have a street named after you.
At number 3 Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées stands a unique building. It is the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Bas Belleville. Pierre Sonrel and Jean Duthilleul designed it in 1974. The chapel is somewhat hidden. Today it serves as the Polish church of Paris. You can enter through 29 Rue de Belleville or via the Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées.
So, as you walk this short alley consider its history. Think of Gabrielle d’Estrées and King Henry IV. Imagine the old Passage Lauzin. This small path holds stories of love royalty and redevelopment. Allée Gabrielle-d’Estrées is a quiet corner with a rich past.