Ever wonder who decides the layout of a Parisian street? I invite you to explore Avenue de Verzy. This private avenue resides in the 17th arrondissement. It is a hidden gem within the Villa des Ternes.
Avenue de Verzy owes its existence to François Toussaint Verzy. He was a municipal councillor of Neuilly-sur-Seine. In 1822, Verzy outlined the rules for its construction in his will. These regulations shaped the area’s development and the lives of its residents.
The avenue begins at 96 avenue des Ternes. It ends at 39 rue Guersant. This makes it the main thoroughfare of the residential Villa des Ternes. The street elegantly connects the two main entrances.
The Villa des Ternes has an interesting past. It was once part of the Château des Ternes park. For a time, it was transformed into a public garden. Believe it or not, this area once housed an amusement park. It even featured some of the world’s first roller coasters. These early rides involved carts on rollers gliding down a slope. This park was known as the “Enclos des Montagnes Russes” until 1929.
The Avenue de Verzy itself is relatively short. It stretches only 235 meters. Despite its size, it has some remarkable buildings.
At number 5, you will find a unique mansion. It was built in 1904 for Henry-Louise Brosse. Albert Polart, the architect, drew inspiration from the Zisa villa in Palermo. The design combines Sicilian architecture with Art Nouveau details. Originally, the rear featured a vast three-level space. This served as a salon and sculpture studio. Later, Prince Samad Khan, the Iranian ambassador, bought the house in 1928. He transformed the grand salon into a throne room. In 1976, it was sold to a developer. The interior was converted into seven apartments and losing its original decorations.
Another notable building is at number 8. Louis Chauvet and Alfred Coulomb designed this building in 1913. It received recognition as a historical monument in 1997.
Finally, number 10 Avenue de Verzy is also special. It was built in 1914. It served as Maurice Coulomb’s architecture agency. The building is a copy of Darius I’s palace in Susa. In 1937, the architect’s widow altered the house. A frieze depicting archers, a replica from the Louvre, has since disappeared. However, a Greco-Roman style decoration above the entrance remains.
Many famous people have called the Villa des Ternes home. These include the painter Alexandre Steinlen. Composer Victor Massé also lived here. Additionally, journalist Paul de Cassagnac, playwright Théodore Barrière, and writer Edmond About resided here. Even Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, once lived here.
Today, the Villa des Ternes remains a private residential area. Although Avenue de Verzy is not open to the public, its history is still palpable.