Tucked away in the 10th arrondissement, Cité de Chabrol whispers tales of a bygone era. It’s a quiet passage, a mere sliver in the urban tapestry, yet it holds a connection to the grand sweep of Parisian history. Cité de Chabrol was once part of the Saint-Lazare enclosure. Imagine a time when this area wasn’t the bustling neighborhood it is today. Instead, picture the grounds of a former farm, the Ferme Saint-Lazare, stretching out before you. Cité de Chabrol begins at the Cour de la Ferme Saint-Lazare. It then stretches for a short distance before reaching Rue de Chabrol. This street, and thus Cité de Chabrol, honor Gaspard de Chabrol de Volvic, the Prefect of the Seine Department from 1812 to 1830. He played a crucial role in shaping modern Paris. He believed in public-private partnerships to drive urban development. Much of the 10th arrondissement, where we stand now at Cité de Chabrol, was developed under his guiding principles. Cité de Chabrol itself is quite short, just 38 meters long. It’s also narrow, only about 3.6 meters wide. This gives it an intimate, almost secret feel. Old cadastral maps reveal an earlier name for Cité de Chabrol. It was once known as the “Grille de la Cour,” or the “gate of the courtyard.” This name evokes images of a gated entrance, perhaps leading to the heart of the old Saint-Lazare farm. This seemingly unremarkable passage offers a glimpse into the evolution of Paris, from farmland to a bustling metropolis. The Cité de Chabrol, though small, embodies the spirit of transformation that defines the city.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.