“Ramp in Paris” is how some describe the Voie BN/16. But there is more to it. The Voie BN/16 is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This arrondissement is on the city’s Right Bank.
What makes the 16th arrondissement special? It is known for its ornate 19th-century buildings. Large avenues and prestigious schools are also here. Museums and parks add to its charm. Many consider it a favorite residence for French high society. Some compare it to London’s Kensington and Chelsea. Others say it is like Berlin’s Charlottenburg. The phrase “le 16e” even signifies great wealth in French culture. It is France’s third-richest district based on average household income. Only the 7th arrondissement and Neuilly-sur-Seine are wealthier.
The 16th arrondissement has a rich history. The Law of 1859 created it. It incorporated the villages of Auteuil, Passy, and Chaillot into Paris. These villages became communes after the French Revolution. They were part of the Seine department. Initially, it was planned as the 13th arrondissement. But the wealthy residents did not like that number. They influenced the decision to make it the 16th.
The arrondissement is large. Its land area is 16.305 km2. The Bois de Boulogne park makes up more than half of this area. Without the park, the land area is 7.846 km2. The population peaked in 1962 with 227,418 residents. In 2009, the population was 169,372.
The 16th arrondissement is known for business activity. In 1999, it had 106,971 jobs. Auteuil-Neuilly-Passy is a common saying. It highlights the area’s wealth. Some of France’s most expensive real estate is here. The Auteuil “villas” are exclusive. These gated communities have huge houses with gardens. This is rare in Paris. The arrondissement has two postal codes. The southern part is 75016. The northern part is 75116.
Politically, the 16th arrondissement leans right. In the 2017 presidential election, it favored Françoise Fillon. However, it voted for Emmanuel Macron in the runoff.
Many notable companies have head offices here. These include Lacoste, PSA Peugeot Citroën, and Lagardère. In the past, Aérospatiale, Technip, Veolia, and Lafarge also had their main offices here.
Several movies have filmed scenes in the 16th arrondissement. Emilio Largo arrives at The International Brotherhood for the Assistance of Stateless Persons in Thunderball. Last Tango in Paris used locations in the 16th arrondissement. A Mission: Impossible – Fallout scene was filmed under the elevated Mètro station Passy.
The Voie BN/16 exists within this vibrant area. It adds its own story to the district. It is a part of the rich tapestry of Parisian life.