Atop a hill overlooking the Seine the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud offers spectacular views. The Allée de Balustrade a central avenue leads to a breathtaking panorama. This spot was designed by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV’s brother. Five avenues converge at this high point a belvedere offering a 360-degree view. The name Allée de Balustrade is ironic. Until the late 19th century there was no railing. The view was more bucolic then. Boulogne was a small village. It was surrounded by forests meadows and fields. The central avenue was originally the Allée Royale. It was renamed Allée de la Lanterne in the early 19th century. This change came with a new structure. A square tower over 18 meters high was built. This was the Lanterne de Démosthène. The Comte de Choiseul-Gouffier brought back molds from Greece. They were based on a monument built in Athens by the sculptor Lysikrates. A terracotta copy was made in 1801. It was given to Napoleon Bonaparte. Perched atop the tower it offered a unique high view. It had a lighting system. A flame burned only when the Emperor resided at the Château de Saint-Cloud. The name is inspired by ancient characters. They have nothing to do with the original Athenian building. Sometimes dedicated to Diogenes it retained the name Lanterne de Démosthène. It was destroyed in 1870 during the Prussian occupation. If you look carefully at the ground you will see the foundation stones. They mark the location of the lost lantern. Today the Allée de Balustrade offers a magnificent view. It is a testament to both history and design. It is a worthwhile destination for any visitor to Saint-Cloud. Enjoy the view from this unique Parisian vantage point.
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.