“Bel-Air” sounds like a breath of fresh air doesn’t it? This avenue in Paris is named Avenue du Bel-Air. It is nestled in the 12th arrondissement.
Avenue du Bel-Air’s name origin is debated. Jacques Hillairet says it crossed the Bel-Air hamlet. Felix Lazare suggests its elevated position gave it the name. Gustave Pessard wrote it led to the salubrious Bel-Air area.
Don’t confuse Avenue du Bel-Air with Avenue de Bel-Air. The latter is in the Bois de Vincennes. It is near Saint-Mandé. Avenue du Bel-Air is in the Picpus area.
This avenue appeared on Jaillot’s 1762 map. Yet, it lacked a name then. A ministerial decision in year X set its width at 39 meters. That’s roughly 128 feet.
The Avenue du Bel-Air stretches 235 meters. That’s about 771 feet long. It spans 19 meters in width. That’s approximately 62 feet. The avenue begins at 15 avenue de Saint-Mandé. It ends at 24 bis place de la Nation.
Let’s talk about number 17. Jean Falp designed this Art Nouveau building in 1905. Georges Ardouin created the facade’s many ornaments. Floral and animal motifs abound. The sculptor drew inspiration from pre-Raphaelite paintings. Women’s faces with long flowing hair decorate the building. The wooden door celebrates maternal love. It shows numerous heads of women and children. Falp lived here. The building is on the 12th arrondissement’s protected list.
Numbers 27 and 29 also showcase Jean Falp’s work. He collaborated with George Ardouin in 1905. These buildings are less ornate than number 17. Notice the beautiful sculptures framing the doors.
Bel-Air is a green setting in Paris. It is bordered by boulevard Picpus and Bois de Vincennes. The Bel-Air district is one of the greenest in the capital. It’s perfect for families. Small streets and lively corners fill the area.
The Sentier des Merisiers leads to half-timbered houses. Anglo-Saxon-style gardens and rustic passageways charm visitors. Stroll the Petite Ceinture. This old railway line is now a pedestrian path. Since 1934, vegetation has reclaimed it. Wild flora thrives in this urban landscape.
Bel-Air station serves Line 6 of the Paris Métro. It opened on March 1, 1909. The station closed during World War II. It reopened on January 7, 1963. The station is named after the Bel-Air quarter.
The old railway to Paris-Bastille is now the Promenade Plantée. This elevated garden stretches 4.5 km. That is around 2.8 miles. It connects Bastille to Porte de Saint-Mandé. Cycling and rollerskating are allowed here.
Avenue du Bel-Air offers a unique blend. It combines urban life with green spaces. It is an unforgettable Parisian experience.