“Berthier,” a name echoing through Parisian history. Avenue Francis Berthier is part of the Boulevards des Maréchaux in the 17th arrondissement. These boulevards form a ring around Paris.
Originally named Rue Militaire, the Avenue Francis Berthier received its current name on March 2, 1864. The avenue honors Louis Alexandre Berthier. He was a prominent figure in French history. Berthier was the Prince of Neufchâtel and Wagram. He also held the esteemed title of Maréchal de France.
Imagine this avenue in the late 19th century. Many artists flocked here seeking tranquility. Painters especially favored the north-facing side. They found consistent light for their work. This artistic ambiance contributed to the avenue’s unique character.
The avenue stretches 1,750 meters. Its width varies. It measures 37 meters from Avenue de Clichy to the railway bridge. Between Rue de Saussure and Boulevard Malesherbes, it widens to 60 meters. The remaining stretch is 40 meters wide.
Several notable buildings dot the Avenue Francis Berthier. At number 8, you’ll find the Ateliers Berthier. These were once workshops for the Opéra Garnier. In 2003, they transformed into a theater. It became an annex of the Théâtre de l’Odéon.
Access to the Parc Clichy-Batignolles Martin Luther King is at number 13.
Several artists had their studios on Avenue Francis Berthier. Georges d’Espagnat had his studio at number 19. Paul Chabas worked at number 23. Gaston Guignard’s studio was located at number 25. René Billotte had his atelier at number 29. Pierre Carrier-Belleuse lived and worked at number 31. A plaque commemorates him. Ernest Ange Duez had his studio at number 39. John Singer Sargent, followed by Giovanni Boldini, had a studio at number 41. Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse had his studio at number 61. Édouard Doigneau’s studio was at number 67.
Avenue Francis Berthier also boasts some unique residences. At number 23 bis, you would find the home of singer Yvette Guilbert. Her American husband, Max Schiller, commissioned the construction. Architect Xavier Schoellkopf designed this private mansion in 1900. The hotel particulier at 23 ter reflects a neo-Gothic style. Architect Albert-Joseph Sélonier created it in 1902 for opera singer Raymond Gourron, also known as Albert Alvarez. The Maison Dumas at number 51 displays Art Nouveau style. Architect Paul Sédille built it.
The writer Georges Rodenbach, author of “Bruges-la-Morte,” spent his last days at number 43.
In 1927, photographers Lucien Lorelle and Marcel Amson opened their studio at number 47.
At number 35 was the location of the former cinema Le Berthier.
At number 95 is the Embassy of Moldova in France.
At number 100, a residential complex in Art Deco style stands. Architect Marcel Hennequet designed it in 1925. It features bow-windows. The construction date is engraved in Roman numerals. Raoul Dufy created mural decorations here from 1927 to 1933.
The buildings at 134-142 are average rent buildings. They were constructed between 1931 and 1934. Architects Joseph Bassompierre, Paul de Rutté, and Paul Sirvin designed them.
At numbers 174-176 stand the Alexandre and Julie Weill Foundation buildings. Architect Auguste Perret built them in 1952.
Avenue Francis Berthier continues to evolve. It remains a vibrant part of Paris. It links history, art, and modern life. Walking along Avenue Francis Berthier, you walk through time.