Once upon a time Rue Thomas Lemaitre was known as Rue des Goulvents. This quiet street in Nanterre holds a fascinating history. It’s named after Thomas Lemaitre a Nanterre native. He was a postilion for the royal mail service. Later he became the postilion-courier for the famous actress Rachel. In 1872 his son Jean-Baptiste bequeathed a property to the town. This property was located at number 11 Boulevard du Midi. Rue Thomas Lemaitre connects Rue Henri-Barbusse and Place du Maréchal-Foch. Imagine the bustling life of a postilion in the 19th century. He would have traversed these very streets delivering important messages. This street has undergone renovations in 2017 for improved safety. Nearby is the Pont de Biais. This bridge passes under the Paris-Saint-Lazare to Saint-Germain-en-Laye railway line. The quiet Rue Thomas Lemaitre today echoes with the footsteps of those who came before. It stands as a testament to Nanterre’s rich past. It whispers tales of a bygone era a time of royal mail and renowned actresses. The street’s transformation from Rue des Goulvents to its current name reflects Nanterre’s growth. The legacy of Thomas Lemaitre lives on in the heart of Nanterre. This little street silently reminds us of the individuals who shaped the town’s history. The street remains a vital part of the town’s fabric. It’s a connection to the past. It’s a quiet witness to the passage of time.
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.