“A street named after a hero? That’s intriguing!” someone whispers as we gather near Avenue du Colonel Fabien. Avenue du Colonel Fabien, a seemingly ordinary street, holds an extraordinary tale. Before we had the Avenue du Colonel Fabien, this street bore a much different name: Rue des Sablons. It wasn’t until 1945 that it was renamed in honor of Colonel Fabien, a celebrated hero of the French Resistance. But who was Colonel Fabien? Born Pierre Georges, he was a committed communist and courageous resistance fighter. Colonel Fabien’s story is one of bravery and sacrifice. At the young age of 17, he fought in the Spanish Civil War. During World War II, he played a pivotal role in the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. One of his most daring acts was the assassination of a German soldier in retaliation for the execution of communist militants. This act, though controversial, solidified his status as a Resistance icon. Tragically, Colonel Fabien’s life was cut short in 1944 when a mine he was examining exploded. He died a hero, and his legacy lives on in the street that bears his name. As you walk along Avenue du Colonel Fabien, remember the sacrifice and bravery of Pierre Georges, the man who became a symbol of resistance against oppression. His story is woven into the very fabric of this street, a permanent reminder of the fight for freedom in the heart of Paris.
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.