“Avenue Raphaël. A name that echoes artistry and Parisian elegance. This avenue resides in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. It stretches over 500 meters. Let’s uncover some of its secrets.
Avenue Raphaël begins at 1 boulevard Suchet. It ends at 2 avenue Ingres. As you stroll, notice how it intersects several other notable streets. These include avenue Prudhon, rue Louis-Boilly, and avenue du Ranelagh.
Interestingly, Avenue Raphaël runs alongside the Jardin du Ranelagh. Buildings line only its western side. Many embassies call this avenue home. This adds to its prestigious character.
Did you know residents here face unique constraints? Property owners must adhere to specific rules. These rules concern building placement, garden maintenance, and even fence design. A certain harmony prevails.
The avenue’s name pays homage to the Renaissance painter Raphael. He lived from 1483 to 1520. Imagine the artistic spirit that permeates this area.
Originally, this area was part of the former commune of Passy. It was carved from the Bois de Boulogne. Initially, it was named “boulevard du Ranelagh”. Later, a decree officially renamed it Avenue Raphaël.
During the Commune de Paris in 1871, Avenue Raphaël saw significant activity. An immense barricade was erected here. It stood between the Parc de la Muette and the Bois de Boulogne’s gate.
In 1896, Tsar Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra visited France. They arrived at the Passy-la-Muette station near the Jardin. From there, they traveled along Avenue Raphaël. This route led them to the Russian embassy.
Avenue Raphaël has housed notable figures and witnessed significant events. During the Pechiney-Triangle affair, businessman Roger-Patrice Pelat lived here.
At number 2, you’ll find an annex of the Madagascar embassy. The main embassy is at number 4. Number 2 bis is a building from 1928. Here, journalist Françoise Giroud lived in a luxurious apartment. She hosted prominent French personalities like Pierre Mendès-France.
Also at 2 bis, entrepreneur Maurice Farhi, founder of Prisunic, resided with his wife Hélène Maus-Bloch. Their apartment was designed by Pierre Chareau in 1932.
The United States delegation to the OECD is located at number 12. The Marmottan Monet museum is located at number 20. It was once the Hôtel Marmottan.
At number 24, in 1969, an armed individual robbed banker David de Rothschild. He was the son of Baron Guy. The thief made off with two million francs.
The Gabon embassy is located at 26 bis. Afghanistan’s embassy sits at number 32. The Afghan government acquired the building in 1938.
Number 34 holds a tragic history. Politician René Bousquet was assassinated here in his apartment.
Once upon a time at number 16, a grand hotel stood. It was later converted into a hospital during World War I. At numbers 24-26, the Hôtel Kessler, built in 1904, was demolished in 1961.
Even in fiction, Avenue Raphaël makes an appearance. Hector Malot’s novel “Une belle-mère” unfolds partly here.
Avenue Raphaël embodies Parisian charm and history. It is more than just a street. It’s a journey through time. From barricades to embassies, from artists to ambassadors, the avenue has stories etched into every corner. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of elegance and history. It is a true Parisian treasure.