“Where does this avenue lead?” is the question many ask when they first encounter the Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine. This avenue resides in Paris’s 15th arrondissement. It’s a pathway with a story rooted in the city’s evolving landscape.
Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine owes its existence to the old Thiers wall. It is named so because it is partially located on the site of the old Porte de la Plaine of the Thiers enclosure to which it leads. The avenue stretches 300 meters. It offers a glimpse into Parisian history.
The story of Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine unfolds in layers. The section between Boulevard Lefebvre and Avenue Albert-Bartholomé sits on what were once bastions 72 and 73 of the Thiers wall. These fortifications once defined the city’s limits.
Another part of the avenue has a different origin. The section from Avenue Albert-Bartholomé to Place des Insurgés-de-Varsovie was once part of Avenue Pasteur. This section belonged to Vanves and Issy-les-Moulineaux. In 1925, it was annexed to Paris. This merging of territories shaped the avenue we see today.
Navigating to Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine is quite straightforward. Public transport provides easy access. Several options are available including the train, metro, bus and tram. The metro line 12 is a direct route. Several bus lines serve the area. These include 126, 394, 80, 88 and 89. Tram lines T2 and T3A also provide convenient access.
For those arriving by bus, several stops are nearby. Petite Ceinture is a minute’s walk away. Théâtre de la Plaine – Général Guillaumat is just two minutes away. Vaugirard – Croix-Nivert and Porte de Plaisance are within a five-minute walk.
Tram users will find Porte de Versailles (Parc Des Expositions) a convenient option. It is about a six-minute walk from the avenue. The closest bus stop is Petite Ceinture. It is a mere minute away on foot.
The first tram to Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine arrives early. The T3A tram stops nearby around 6:10 AM. The last tram, also the T3A, arrives around 1:38 AM.
For metro commuters, the first line 12 train arrives around 5:33 AM. The last metro on line 12 arrives around 1:12 AM. Bus service begins early as well. The N13 is the first bus, arriving around 3:04 AM. The last bus, the N62, arrives around 3:47 AM.
Avenue de la Porte-de-la-Plaine stands as a testament to Parisian evolution. It started as part of a defensive structure and a boundary marker. It is now an integral part of the city. As you traverse this avenue, remember its layered past. Each step echoes the stories of fortifications, annexations and urban development. The avenue is more than just a street. It is a journey through time.