Wonder why this street is called Villa Chambon? Villa often means a gated community in France. Villa Chambon in Courbevoie is not just any street. It is a piece of Parisian luxury and history.
Let’s step back in time. In 1822, the Duchess of Montmorency acquired a vast tract of land in Auteuil. Auteuil wasn’t yet part of Paris back then. This land became Villa Montmorency. Emile Pereire, a businessman, bought the land in 1852. He transformed it into an exclusive area for the wealthy. He named it Villa Montmorency to honor its prestigious former owners.
Now, you might ask what this has to do with Villa Chambon. Villa Chambon is an associated street of Villa Montmorency. It shares in the prestige of the area.
Imagine walking these streets. Mansions surround you. The air is different here. It is quiet and refined. In Villa Montmorency, there is a speed limit of 25 km/h. It is interesting, because rich motorists in France often drive faster than that elsewhere.
The entrances to these villas say a lot. They state, “Villa Montmorency. Circulation of pedestrians and vehicles and parking reserved for residents. This applies to their visitors or their authorized suppliers.” Offenders may be prosecuted. Their vehicles may be immobilized. It also states, “Private property. Entry forbidden.” It is clear that this is an exclusive area.
Around Villa Montmorency, you see real estate agencies. They are cashing in on the name. They offer advice and “Luxury French Properties”. Perhaps they meant “luxurious.”
There have been waves of reports in the French media about a crisis in Villa Montmorency. Bertrand Delanoë, mayor of Paris from 2001 to 2014, wanted subsidized housing. He wanted to overcome the city’s social divide. The plan included rich districts like the 16th. Auteuil is part of the 16th arrondissement.
Building subsidized apartments near Villa Montmorency faced lawsuits. The wealthy citizens tried to block it. But construction eventually proceeded. Today, the subsidized housing is complete. The residents are orderly. They are barely noticed by their affluent neighbors.
Another interesting fact, Prince Felix Felixovich Yusupov lived near Villa Montmorency. He was involved in the murder of Grigori Rasputin. His house had plaques in English and Russian. Oddly enough, there was no plaque in French.
The history of Villa Chambon is linked to Villa Montmorency. It is a story of wealth, aristocracy, and a changing Paris. Villa Chambon offers a glimpse into a world of exclusive Parisian living. It is a reminder of the city’s rich and complex past.