You’re now standing at one of the city’s gateways. As you arrive via the George V Bridge, a grand perspective opens up straight ahead — all the way to Place du Martroi. This is Rue Royale, a street that was created following the construction of the new bridge. It was designed by Jean Hupeau, the engineer behind the bridge itself and a graduate of the newly founded School of Bridges and Roads. At the request of King Louis XV, the façades lining the street were to be completely uniform — a bold and elegant vision that required the demolition of around a hundred homes. The result was so striking that the entire ensemble was listed as a historic monument in 1928. During World War II, the western half of Rue Royale was heavily bombed and destroyed. After much discussion, the city chose to rebuild it exactly as it was — which is why the street looks so remarkably well-preserved today. The newly restored Rue Royale was officially inaugurated on March 24, 1965.