Porte de Vanves, City gate in 14th arrondissement, Paris, France
The Porte de Vanves is a city gate in Paris' 14th arrondissement dating from early 19th century fortifications that once protected the capital. The stone structure marks the point where the city historically met its surrounding areas.
The gate was built during Paris' 19th century expansion as a control point managing passage between the capital and the surrounding villages. It formed part of a fortification system that eventually disappeared as the city grew outward.
The gate takes its name from the village of Vanves and marks the historic boundary where Paris met its surrounding areas. The space around it today functions as a neighborhood hub with shops and cafés that serve both residents and passing travelers.
The gate sits at a lively intersection with good connections to public transport and clear street signage for orientation. Walking through the surrounding streets and squares gives the best sense of the area's character and layout.
The gate is named after Vanves but actually leads toward Malakoff, while the real village of Vanves is accessed through the nearby Porte Brancion. Many visitors overlook this geographical quirk that reflects how the city's boundaries shifted over time.
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