Starting in its intersection with Ricardo Palma Avenue, it crosses vertically through Miraflores, and continues through the districts of Lince, San Isidro and Lima, through its southern neighbourhood of Santa Beatriz, until it reaches 28 de Julio Avenue.

It is named after French Vice-Admiral Abel-Nicolas Bergasse du Petit-Thouars, who played an important role in the War of the Pacific, guaranteeing the integrity of Lima during its occupation by the Chilean Army.

[1] A monument to Petit-Thouars, also inaugurated by Leguía, is located in the Miguel de Cervantes park.

[2][3] The monument features two statues shaking hands: one of Petit-Thouars, and a female figure representing the city.

[3] In 1925, the U.S. government purchased a 11,600 m2 (125,000 sq ft) property next to the avenue to house its embassy.