“Ever wondered why a Parisian street bears the name of a city far away?” Avenue de Nantes in Paris’s 19th arrondissement isn’t just a street. It’s a silent storyteller whispering tales of a bygone era. This unassuming avenue in the bustling 19th arrondissement carries a history far richer than its length suggests. It wasn’t always Avenue de Nantes. In the 17th century maps show it under different names. Rue de l’Eglise-de-la-Villette and ruelle de l’Eglise-de-la-Villette were among its earlier names. This referred to the nearby Saint-Jacques-Saint-Christophe church. Later it became Rue Saint-Jacques in 1722 then Rue Saint-Jacques-Saint-Christophe in 1737. It was even called Rue de l’Eglise in 1829. Finally in 1833 it received its current name Avenue de Nantes. This is in honor of the city of Nantes a prefecture in the Loire-Atlantique department of France. One intriguing detail is the old pressoir banal a communal wine press. This was located at the eastern end of the street as shown on Roussel’s map. It is marked there as Ferme du Pressoir des Champs. The avenue’s history mirrors the evolution of this part of Paris. It’s a quiet reminder that even a seemingly ordinary Parisian street holds centuries of stories. The name Avenue de Nantes hints at connections between different regions. It stands as a testament to the city’s rich past. Walking down Avenue de Nantes is like stepping back in time. It’s a journey through the evolution of Paris itself a journey I hope you’ve enjoyed.
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.