Stepping into Passage Corneille is like stepping back in time. This charming Parisian passage, tucked away between bustling streets, holds a secret world of history and literature. Passage Corneille was built around 1825 by the architect Tavernier. It replaced four grand hotels. The north entrance of Passage Corneille is a vestige of one of these hotels, the Hôtel de Gesvres. Imagine strolling down its narrow, 190-meter-long path. This makes it one of the longest passages in Paris. Its glass roof, reconstructed between 2015 and 2017, filters the Parisian light, creating a magical ambiance. Passage Corneille has always been linked to the theater and literary worlds. The nearby Opéra Comique and Bouffes Parisiens theaters drew their patrons through this very passage. The spirit of literature hangs heavy in the air. Paul Verlaine’s first publisher had a bookshop here. Even the young Louis-Ferdinand Céline lived in Passage Corneille for years. He later immortalized a dilapidated version of it in his 1936 novel, “Death on Credit,” renaming it “Passage des Bérésinas.” Today, the presence of artist Anna Stein adds another layer of creativity to Passage Corneille. She lives and works at number 23, keeping the artistic spirit of the passage alive. So, next time you’re in Paris, escape the city buzz and step into the literary haven of Passage Corneille. Its unique blend of history, architecture, and artistic legacy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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.