Perhaps a story of transformation is what you seek as we stand here on Boulevard Henri Sellier. It is a route that embodies the evolution of Suresnes. This boulevard has witnessed Suresnes transform from a small village to a bustling town.
The Boulevard Henri Sellier stretches from the Pont de Suresnes to Saint-Cloud and Rueil-Malmaison. It follows the path of the D 985. Before 1944 this road was known as the Boulevard de Versailles. This was a main route to the royal capital before the A13 highway.
Let’s step back to the 19th century. Suresnes was a rural village known for its vineyards. Most buildings clustered around the Esplanade des Courtieux. Traveling through Suresnes was difficult. The Rue de la Tuilerie was narrow and steep.
The construction of a new road was approved in the late Second Empire. This aimed to ease travel from the Pont de Suresnes to Rueil-Malmaison. Construction was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War. The Boulevard de Versailles was completed in 1878. It had a 10-meter wide road lined with plane trees. The boulevard helped Suresnes grow. It welcomed factories and saw its population increase.
The Boulevard Henri Sellier became a leisure destination. Restaurants thrived on Rue du Pont and the quays. Parisians and locals enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The Gare de Suresnes-Longchamp was built from 1886 to 1889. High walls were built to support the land near the boulevard.
In the early 20th century, businesses selling bicycles and cars opened. Parisians came to buy gasoline on weekends to avoid taxes. The first gasoline pumps were installed in 1921. Cars speeding over the bridge led to the deployment of an officer. This aimed to prevent accidents.
In 1944, the Boulevard de Versailles was renamed Boulevard Henri Sellier. This honored Henri Sellier, the former mayor who died during the Occupation.
After World War II, the Pont de Suresnes was rebuilt. This changed the boulevard’s entrance. A triangle of buildings was demolished to align the road. The new bridge opened in 1951.
In 1960, Prince Ali Khan died in a car accident on the boulevard. The Tour de France passed through the Boulevard Henri Sellier in 2018.
Today you will find the old Coty perfume factory at the boulevard’s intersection with the quay. The Moulin Rose was once located at number 6. It was a popular restaurant with a dance hall. The police station stands at number 32.
The Boulevard Henri Sellier continues to evolve. Current projects aim to improve safety and enhance the environment. New trees will be planted. The boulevard is set to become greener. The Boulevard Henri Sellier is more than just a road. It reflects the past, present and future of Suresnes. As we continue our walk, remember the transformations this boulevard has seen.