Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg

Marquis who? The Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. A name that whispers of history and prestige. We stand before a grand boulevard, stretching nearly a kilometer, a spine of Parisian elegance. Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg takes its name from Marie Victor de Fay, Marquis de La Tour-Maubourg. He was a prominent figure, a general, a peer of France, and the governor of Les Invalides. The boulevard itself is a relatively recent addition to the city’s fabric, created in two phases. The first section, alongside Les Invalides between Avenue de Tourville and Avenue de La Motte-Picquet, opened in 1827. Later, in 1858, it was extended to reach the Seine, completing the grand sweep we see today. Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg begins at the Quai d’Orsay, by the river, and continues north to Avenue de Lowendal. Imagine the carriages that once rolled along this route, carrying dignitaries and fashionable Parisians. The boulevard is a one-way street, guiding traffic northward. It intersects with several streets, including Rue de l’Université, Rue Saint-Dominique, Rue de Grenelle, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, Rue Chevert, and Rue Louis-Codet. If you’re looking for the metro, the La Tour-Maubourg station on Line 8 is conveniently located here. This boulevard houses architectural gems and stories. At number one, we find the former Hôtel particulier de Montesquiou-Fèzensac. This exquisite residence, redesigned in 1858 by architect Joseph-Michel Le Soufaché, now houses the Chinese Cultural Center. Further along, at number two, stands the former Hôtel Le Bigre. Once home to Count Jean Le Bigre, it now serves as the residence of the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates. Interestingly, from 2001 to 2002, it also housed the headquarters of the RPR political party. Number five and five B is a beautiful hôtel particulier built around 1910. Look at the trapezoidal avant-corps and the neo-Louis XVI balcony railing. This elegant building housed politician Émile Javal until his death in 1907 and now houses the American University of Paris’ offices. Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg is more than just a street. It’s a living tapestry woven with history, architecture, and intriguing anecdotes.