Coming to Versailles most go to the palace as said this is an unfortunate routine as said Versailles has a lot more than a castle. One very nice place to understand the whole story of Versailles is to go to the streets and see wonderful monuments of architectural and historical value such as this building in fine Avenue de Paris, very near the palace/museum. I am glad to have found me a picture that should be in my blog for you and me. The City is a treasure throve of historical building that will make you come back as I have. Therefore, here is my take again on the Pavillon des Gendarmes of Versailles !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I
The pavillon des Gendarmes aka the former Gendarmes’ Hotel or Gendarmes’ Gate is located at No 6 Avenue de Paris. It was built on the former outbuildings of the Hôtel de la Princesse de Conti (now the City Hall) at the request of Louis XV in 1732. It was built for Louis XV’s Guards, for whom he purchased outbuildings of the Hôtel de la Princesse de Conti and had a new building constructed. Initially, the building extended to the Impasse des Gendarmes street. The royal decree of October 1, 1787, abolished this corps, leaving the premises vacant. The following year, the Count of Noailles, Governor of Versailles, assigned it to the Invalides, the corps responsible for policing the city. The space was divided into two sections. On one side, the barracks with its central courtyard could accommodate 103 men. On the other, the pavilion housed the Recruitment officers as well as the offices of the Military Engineering Corps. This institution was also largely responsible for the first restorations of the building. In addition to the Gendarmerie headquarters, barracks extended along what was known as the “cul-de-sac” (dead end). The barracks were demolished in 1912, while the “noble” part of the Gendarmerie headquarters was preserved. The main post, telegraph, and telephone (PTT) office and its technical facilities were installed there. The PTT was replaced by the Departmental Tax Assessment Center (i.e., the tax services directorate). The building’s facade was restored between 1941 and 1943, regaining its faux-brick decoration. These premises were State property before being purchased by the City of Versailles, which then transferred three-quarters of them to Versailles Grand Parc in 2013. The Gendarmerie headquarters no longer faces the dead-end street but the Avenue de Paris. In 2013, the building was restored to its original layout and rooms. A branch of France 3 Paris Île-de-France and the headquarters of the Versailles Grand Parc urban community are located there.
The Impasse des Gendarmes or Gendarmes’ Alley was created to provide access to the building from which it takes its name: the Hôtel des Gendarmes. Initially designated as Cul-de-sac des Gendarmes , sometimes spelled des Gens d’Armes , the street was renamed “de la Maison-Commune” or City/Town Hall Cul-de-sac during the French revolution, after the new name of the City/Town Hall. It reverted to its original name by a decision of the mayor on July 23, 1800, becoming a dead end instead of a cul-de-sac.
Other building on this street are the Notre-Dame-des-Armées Chapel at 4 Impasse des Gendarmes. Its construction was part of the development of the Eudists’ military work starting in 1871. The Soldiers’ Home was established in the building, along with a chapel built in 1878. The installation of a statue of the Virgin Mary led to its name being changed to “Notre-Dame-des-Armées.” The military club was closed in 1882; only the chapel remained open, evolving into a neighborhood chapel after the Franco-Prussian War. The Saint Thérèse altar is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who died during the Great War or WWI. Much later, in 1967, the City of Versailles bought the land to create an annex of the Social Welfare Office, while preserving the chapel. From 1973 onwards, the chapel remained open for worship and was managed by a parishioners’ association. Since 1982, it has housed the organ class of the Regional Conservatory. In 2017, it was incorporated into the Diocese of Versailles. Finally, the Open University of Versailles, formerly the University of the Third Age, is located at 6 Impasse des Gendarmes. The new premises were inaugurated in 1991.
The City of Versailles on the impasse des Gendarmes and buildings : https://www.versailles.fr/15-8388/actualites/fiche/une-histoire-de-rue-impasse-des-gendarmes.htm
There you go folks, hope you enjoy the architectural and historical wonders of the royal City of Versailles, and as I said Versailles is a lot more than the Palace. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Pavillon des Gendarmes of Versailles !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
