A whisper of history brushes against your cheek. Avenue de la Motte-Picquet unfolds before you a Parisian thoroughfare steeped in centuries of stories.
This avenue isn’t just a road. It’s a living testament to Parisian history. Its name honors Admiral Toussaint-Guillaume Picquet de La Motte a prominent figure under Louis XV and Louis XVI. The avenue itself boasts a history almost as rich as the admiral’s life. Its earliest form a simple path called “chemin de la plaine de Grenelle” existed as far back as 1714.
Initially a portion of this avenue was known as Avenue de l’Ecole Militaire. This section opened in 1680. It strategically separated the Ecole Militaire and the Champ-de-Mars leading towards the Hotel des Invalides. The avenue’s extension to the current Boulevard de Grenelle however didn’t happen until 1775. For a time it ended at the Fermiers Generaux wall marking the city limits. Only in 1840 did the construction of the Barriere de La Motte-Picquet connect it to the Rue du Commerce.
The avenue’s evolution wasn’t merely about expanding its reach. It witnessed significant shifts in power. The state ceded the avenue to the city of Paris a transfer of ownership reflecting changing political landscapes.
Today Avenue de la Motte-Picquet teems with life. Elegant restaurants line the 7th arrondissement side. Cafes offer a relaxing ambiance. The area near Place de l’Ecole-Militaire is especially lively. Large cafes such as La Terrasse and Le Tourville attract many visitors with their expansive terraces perfect for soaking up the Parisian sun.
The 15th arrondissement section offers a slightly different character. Here you will find more cafes and brasseries like Le Suffren and Le Primerose. A unique spot here is the Village Suisse. This area stands on the former site of the Swiss pavilion of the 1900 World Exposition now a charming collection of antique shops.
The avenue also holds a literary legacy. Pablo Neruda the Chilean poet and ambassador to France lived at number 2 from 1971 to 1973. A commemorative plaque now marks his residence. Jacques Madeleine a well-known writer and poet was born at number 23. His presence adds another layer to the avenue’s rich cultural tapestry.
Avenue de la Motte-Picquet’s story isn’t finished. Its past echoes in every cobblestone. Its future is being written with each step taken along its length. As you walk this avenue take a moment to absorb its history. Feel the weight of the past and the pulse of the present. This is Avenue de la Motte-Picquet a Parisian story waiting to be discovered.