Avenue de Liège

“Lost beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, there’s a street pulsing with a different kind of magic.” Avenue de Liège, tucked away in the 8th and 9th arrondissements, whispers tales of resilience and transformation. Originally known as “Rue de Berlin,” Avenue de Liège was christened in 1914 as a tribute to the heroic resistance of the people of Liège against the German invasion during World War I. This renaming mirrored the wartime sentiment, replacing a moniker associated with the enemy with one that celebrated courage. Avenue de Liège isn’t just a street; it’s a living testament to the historical echoes that reverberate through Paris. The street’s architecture also tells a story. Number 28, the Courmont building, stands as a testament to the neo-Gothic rationalism of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who designed it in 1846. For those with a literary bent, Avenue de Liège holds a special significance. The renowned French writer Georges Duhamel called number 31 home from 1935 until the end of his life. Avenue de Liège also played a role in the world of sports. From 1995 to 2010, number 9 served as the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation, adding another layer to the street’s diverse tapestry. But Avenue de Liège’s story extends beyond individual buildings and famous residents. It represents a quiet counterpoint to the grand boulevards, a place where history and everyday life intertwine. As you stroll along Avenue de Liège, imagine the footsteps of Émile Boutmy, the founder of Sciences Po, who resided at an unknown number on the street in his later years. Picture the vibrant nightlife of the 1930s at Shéhérazade, the cabaret at number 3. Avenue de Liège embodies the spirit of Paris, a city that constantly evolves while cherishing its past.