Avenue de Paris

“Magnificent, isn’t it?” I gesture towards the Avenue de Paris, a grand boulevard stretching before us in Versailles. “This isn’t just any street. It’s a direct line to the heart of Paris and a testament to the Sun King’s vision.” The Avenue de Paris, one of the widest avenues in France, was conceived by Louis XIV. He wanted a majestic thoroughfare that would showcase the grandeur of his palace and provide a dramatic perspective. Imagine the scale of this project in 1682. Workers, armed with only shovels, pickaxes and wicker baskets, carved this 90-meter wide avenue through the landscape, even cutting into the Montbauron hill to ensure an unobstructed view of the palace. The Avenue de Paris was completed in 1685. It was originally lined with elm trees. Later, sycamores replaced them, victims of disease. Now, look closely. The Avenue de Paris is more than just a wide road. It’s a dividing line, separating the Notre-Dame and Montreuil districts to the north from Saint-Louis, Chantiers and Porchefontaine to the south. It’s also a vibrant tapestry of history, lined with remarkable buildings that whisper stories of kings, mistresses, and revolutions. As we stroll along the Avenue de Paris, we’ll encounter the Grande Écurie, once home to the king’s horses. Further down stands the Hôtel de Ville, the city hall, once occupied by Prussian royalty and even French presidents. Keep an eye out for number 19, the former stables of Madame du Barry, Louis XV’s last mistress, later used as a police station. And at number 22, the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the Estates-General met in 1789. Here, the abolition of privileges and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen were voted upon, events that ignited the French Revolution. The Avenue de Paris is also a practical route, coinciding with the D10 road and leading towards Paris via Sèvres. It connects central Versailles with Porchefontaine and even hosted the finish line of the Paris-Versailles race for many years. So, as you walk down this magnificent avenue, remember. You’re not just walking down a street. You’re walking through history.