Why is this town called Malakoff? Look around you. This is the Monument aux morts de Malakoff. It stands as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in past wars. But the name “Malakoff” itself has a story to tell, one that stretches back to the Crimean War. You see, Malakoff isn’t just a Parisian suburb. It’s a name etched in military history. During the Crimean War, Malakoff referred to a strategically important hill near Sevastopol. This hill was crowned by a formidable fortress, known to the Russians as Korniloff, but the French called it “Malakoff.” The capture of this fortress in 1855 by French forces, under the command of General Patrice de Mac-Mahon, proved decisive. It led to the fall of Sevastopol and ultimately contributed to Russia’s defeat in the war. In recognition of this victory, French General Aimable Pélissier was bestowed with the title of Duke of Malakoff. Years later, a local entrepreneur named Alexandre Chauvelot built an amusement park in nearby Vanves. It featured a plaster reconstruction of the Malakoff Tower. People started saying they “lived in Malakoff.” This casual expression would later become official when, in 1883, this area separated from Vanves and adopted the name Malakoff. The Monument aux morts de Malakoff, therefore, doesn’t just commemorate fallen soldiers. It represents a town intertwined with a key moment in history. A moment that reminds us of the enduring impact of conflict and the stories embedded in the very names of the places we visit.
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.