Tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, a splash of color awaits. This isn’t your typical Parisian street. It’s the Cité fleurie, a charming village within the city. The Cité fleurie’s whimsical charm starts with its access. You enter from Place de Rungis via rue Brillat-Savarin, then turn onto rue des Orchidées. The six cobblestone lanes within this triangular haven all bear the names of flowers: rue des Glycines, rue des Iris, rue des Volubilis. Each turn reveals a scene far removed from the bustling capital. Small gardens, bursting with blooms and shaded by trees, complement the pastel-colored houses. One bold dwelling stands out in a vibrant yellow-orange, a cheerful punctuation mark in the Cité fleurie’s gentle palette. The Cité fleurie wasn’t always this picturesque. In 1928, it replaced a meadow frequently flooded by the nearby Bièvre River. The unstable ground couldn’t support the weight of traditional Haussmann-era buildings. So, smaller houses were built. This is why we can enjoy this unique village atmosphere today within the heart of Paris. The Cité fleurie is a testament to adaptation and a delightful surprise for those who venture off the beaten 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.