Avenue Bellair

“Did you ever hear of a street named after fresh air?” I ask, a mischievous glint in my eye as we reach Avenue du Bel-Air. Avenue du Bel-Air. The name itself evokes a sense of tranquility, doesn’t it? But its origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery. Some say Avenue du Bel-Air earned its name because it once cut through the charming Bel-Air Hamlet. Others believe its slightly elevated position, open to the sky, inspired the name. A third theory suggests it was named for its healthy location, a breath of fresh air in a bustling city. Avenue du Bel-Air begins at 15 Avenue de Saint-Mandé and ends at 24bis Place de la Nation. It’s a relatively short avenue, only 235 meters long, but don’t let its size fool you. At number 17 Avenue du Bel-Air, a stunning Art Nouveau building awaits. Built in 1905 by architect Jean Falp, its facade is adorned with intricate sculptures by Georges Ardouin. Look closely. You’ll see floral and animal motifs, and faces of women inspired by Pre-Raphaelite paintings, their long hair flowing in arabesques. The wooden door, with its glass panel above, celebrates maternal love with its depictions of women and children. Falp clearly cherished this building, as he chose to live here himself. Just a few steps away, at numbers 27 and 29 Avenue du Bel-Air, stand two more buildings by Falp and Ardouin, also from 1905. While less ornate than number 17, their beautifully sculpted doorways are worth admiring. Avenue du Bel-Air. A little slice of tranquility in the heart of Paris.