Unassuming UK street in a seaside town which inspired Paris’ most famous boulevard
THERE’S a seemingly normal street in the seaside town of Southport with a past not many know about.
It might not look like anything special, but what people don’t know is Lord Street – the town’s main shopping high street – inspired one of the most famous avenues in the world.
With a long, straight and wide boulevard lined with lush trees, Lord Street served as the inspiration for Champs Élysées in Paris.
The story goes back to 1838 when the famous French emperor, Prince Louis Napoleon, was exiled in Southport.
Struck by the beauty of Lord Street, the Prince, who later became Napoleon III, carried the memory of this street back to France.
When he rose to power, he transformed Paris’ Champs Élysées, modelling it on the wide, tree-lined design that he’d admired in Southport.
At the time, Lord Street’s design was revolutionary.
The wide boulevard, framed by trees, was in stark contrast to those that were common in 19th century England, which were often narrow and crowded.
The Champs Élysées is now one of the most popular attractions in Paris , with the avenue running between the Place de la Concorde and Place de Gaulle, home to the Arc de Triomphe and home to designer shops and theatres.
Today, Lord Street maintains its character too, with its Victorian architecture and gardens, reminiscent of the boulevard that it inspired in Paris.
It also continues to be a bustling hub with cafes, shops and restaurants including a vibrant mix of cosy cafes, traditional pubs and fine dining.
Adding to its charm are the regular events and fairs that turn the street into a thriving hotspot of activity, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Last summer, however, the seaside town went without one of its top attractions for the first time in decades.
The Southport Pier, which is the second longest pier in the country, was unexpectedly shut in 2022 due to the discovery of structural damage.
Locals expressed disappointment and even embarrassment at having the pier, which many say is one of the town’s best features, not available for tourists.
The café and arcade, located on the structure were also both closed, with a reopening date yet to be confirmed.
But there are some exciting new plans for Southport.
A £75million water attraction hopes to open, with a surfing lagoon and activities.
And theme park Pleasureland has revealed plans for new rides and attraction following the £4.7million renovation.