In the heart of Pantin, Rue Charles Auray stretches, a vital artery connecting Avenue Jean-Lolive near the Église de Pantin to Rue des Pommiers. Rue Charles Auray isn’t just a street. It’s a tribute to a father and son, both named Charles Auray. The elder Charles served as mayor of Pantin. His son, also Charles, made his mark as a renowned architect. Rue Charles Auray intersects with several other streets as it winds its way through Pantin. These include Rue de Candale, Rue Courtois, and Rue Méhul. The Église de Pantin metro station on Line 5 provides convenient access to Rue Charles Auray. Before bearing its current name, Rue Charles Auray was known as Rue de Montreuil. This street holds a rich history, echoing with the whispers of famous figures. The celebrated dancer Marie-Madeleine Guimard once graced this very street with her presence. Around 1777, she purchased a house where the Paul-Langevin school now stands, near number 30. The house, designed by the architect Mathurin Cherpitel and financed by Charles de Rohan, prince de Soubise, consisted of two buildings. It even included a private theater located at 104 Avenue Jean-Lolive, formerly known as Rue de Paris. Another architectural gem hides in plain sight at number 57 Rue Charles Auray. An 18th-century private mansion, built in the 1760s by Abbé Claude Jean Baptiste Colin. Colin, cleverly capitalizing on the nearby gypsum quarries, commissioned architect Perrard de Montreuil for its construction. Sadly, the mansion suffered significant damage during the Napoleonic Wars in 1814. Today, this historical treasure, registered as a historical monument in 1984, belongs to the City of Pantin. It’s sometimes mistakenly called the Folie de Pantin, confused with Guimard’s theater. Rue Charles Auray also boasts a piece of Pantin’s past at number 19. This house stands as a testament to the old village, dating back to around 1800. From a bustling street to a quiet residential area, Rue Charles Auray encapsulates the spirit of Pantin. It’s a journey through time, where history and architecture intertwine, leaving a lasting impression on all who wander its path.
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.