Avenue du Président John Kennedy

“A Parisian avenue named after an American president?” a curious voice pipes up. Indeed, Avenue du Président John Kennedy, a prominent street in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy. The avenue, stretching 990 meters from Rue Beethoven to Place Clément-Ader, offers a captivating glimpse into history, urban development, and international relations. Before 1964, this grand avenue was known as Quai de Passy. It was renamed in honor of the assassinated US president, a tribute to his impact on global affairs. Avenue du Président John Kennedy follows the right bank of the Seine, providing stunning views of the river. It is seamlessly connected to other important Parisian arteries, extending from Avenue de New York to Avenue de Versailles. Imagine strolling along Avenue du Président John Kennedy, taking in the elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This route was once part of the old “Route de Versailles,” also known as the “Route de la Reine.” This historic road was a section of the “Route de Paris à Bayonne,” later designated as “Route Nationale 10.” The avenue sits above Port de Passy, the lower quay along the Seine. This lower quay now forms part of the Voie Georges-Pompidou expressway. Picture the contrast: the bustling expressway below and the stately avenue above, a testament to Paris’s layered history. The RER C line’s Avenue du Président Kennedy-Maison de Radio-France station lies at the avenue’s southern end, near the Maison de la Radio. This station, previously named Quai de Passy, provides easy access to the avenue and surrounding areas. The avenue itself has been the site of historical events, from Santos-Dumont’s airship crash in 1901 to the tragic assassination of Bolivian ambassador Joaquín Zenteno Anaya in 1976. The avenue is also home to notable buildings like the Bolivian Embassy at number 12 and the site of Benjamin Delessert’s groundbreaking sugar beet refinery at number 14. As you reach the avenue’s southern end, you encounter the iconic Maison de Radio France, built between 1955 and 1962 on the site of a former gas plant. Avenue du Président John Kennedy embodies a fascinating intersection of history, culture, and urban life, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.