The Avenue de Sceaux. It stretches out before you, like a ribbon of history, its cobblestone surface whispering tales of bygone days.
This elegant avenue, named for the charming town of Sceaux, is one of the three avenues that radiate outwards from the Place d’Armes, the grand square in front of the Palace of Versailles. It was a grand project, conceived in the second half of the 18th century, aiming to link the Palace with Fontainebleau, the city of Sceaux acting as a halfway point on the route.
But it wasn’t meant to be. The avenue, initially planned to stretch far beyond its present length, was cut short by a rather quirky event: the construction of massive water reservoirs. The brilliant engineer Gobert, commissioned by Louis XIV, built these vast reservoirs at the end of the avenue, cutting its further expansion and ultimately creating what we know as Avenue de Sceaux.
Perhaps it is this unusual birth that gives the Avenue its unique charm. Along its path, you’ll pass the Petite Ecurie, a former stable for the royal horses, and Cour des Senteurs, a now-bustling market. The Square des Francine sits at the end of the Avenue, known locally also as Abreuvoir Louis XIV, or “Louis XIV’s Watering Hole.” It is a reminder of the royal era, where even the animals enjoyed the grand life of the Court. Then, you find the Jardin des Etangs Gobert, with its tranquil ponds and the surrounding lush parkland that invites you to linger and soak in the atmosphere. If you are looking for a touch of history and a relaxing stroll through the Parisian suburbs, the Avenue de Sceaux is your perfect destination.