In 1969 the world watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. Few know he later visited Paris. This is Allée Neil Armstrong. A small street in Le Blanc-Mesnil it honors the astronaut’s legacy. But why Le Blanc-Mesnil?
The Apollo 11 astronauts undertook a global tour. It was called the Giant Step-Apollo 11 Presidential Goodwill Tour. Their trip included 27 cities across 23 countries. This included a stop in Paris. A visit aimed to win over French intellectuals. Some had doubts about the moon landing. Others felt a sense of superiority over the United States.
The astronauts arrived in Paris on October 8th 1969. They landed at Orly airport. Following a welcome ceremony they checked into the Hotel de Crillon. They then toured significant Parisian sites. This included the Hotel de Ville and the Hotel Matignon. At the Hotel de Ville the President of the Paris Council awarded them the Vermeil medal. This is the city’s highest honor. At the Hotel Matignon the Prime Minister presented them with the Legion of Honour.
They met with President Georges Pompidou at the Elysee Palace. They also visited UNESCO for a press conference. There Armstrong famously cited Descartes as his favorite French scientist. The astronauts answered questions about a potential trip to Mars. Armstrong believed it was feasible. One journalist even asked about UFOs. Michael Collins denied any belief in them.
The Parisian newspaper Le Figaro gifted each astronaut a golden replica of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module. Cartier crafted these unique models. They included microfilms listing contributors to the mission. Armstrong’s gift eventually went missing. This is Allée Neil Armstrong a lasting tribute in a quiet Parisian suburb. It’s a small reminder of a momentous visit. A visit that combined celebration with diplomacy.