How many stories could this 185-meter stretch of Parisian avenue tell? This is the Avenue du Général Mangin. It sits in the 16th arrondissement.
Avenue du Général Mangin begins at 7, rue d’Ankara. It ends at 14, rue du Docteur-Germain-Sée. The avenue was created and named in 1925. It is named after General Charles Mangin. He lived from 1866 to 1925.
The Avenue du Général Mangin exists on land that once belonged to the Princess de Lamballe. The heirs of Meuriot sold part of the park to real estate developers. They wanted to divide the site into lots.
Interestingly, at the intersection of Avenue du Général Mangin and rue d’Ankara, police identified the perpetrator of the December 2, 2023, attack in Paris. He was apprehended a few minutes later on avenue du Parc-de-Passy.
At number 19 Avenue du Général Mangin, you will find premises belonging to Radio France. The France Inter program “Panique au Mangin Palace” references this location. The Maison de la Radio is also located nearby.
Though General Mangin has no direct link to the avenue besides its name, he led a major battle in July 1918. It was the counter-offensive of Villers-Cotterêts. An observation tower was erected to commemorate the battle. The original tower was destroyed in a storm in 1924. A replica was built between 2017 and 2018. It serves as a cultural space and outdoor museum. The museum is dedicated to nature and WW1 history.
Avenue du Général Mangin is more than just a street. It is a place with layers of Parisian history. It commemorates a military figure and connects to moments of both celebration and sorrow. As you continue your walk, consider the stories beneath your feet.