What echoes linger from the past along Avenue Henri Farman? This avenue in Paris is not just another street. It holds a special place in aviation history. It is named after Henri Farman, a pioneer aviator and aircraft builder.
Farman made a name for himself in the early days of flight. He wasn’t just a pilot. He was also an innovator. He popularized the use of ailerons. Ailerons are those moveable surfaces on the wings that help control the plane.
Avenue Henri Farman is located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. It lies in the Quartier de Javel. The avenue also borders Issy-les-Moulineaux. Here, it continues for about 100 meters. This continuation connects it to Rue Camille-Desmoulins.
The T2 tram line serves Avenue Henri Farman. The Henri Farman station makes it easily accessible. Metro line 8 is also nearby at Balard station.
Henri Farman’s story is intertwined with his brothers. Dick and Maurice Farman also became aircraft builders. Together, they created Farman airplanes. On this very site, Henri achieved a milestone. He completed the first 1 km flight in 1 minute and 28 seconds. He flew a biplane designed by the Voisin brothers.
The avenue itself has a history. Before 1995, it was known as “voie BO/15.” It was created during the redevelopment of the Vaugirard plain.
Intriguingly, archaeological discoveries were made here in 2007. Construction work revealed traces of human occupation. These traces dated back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. Extensive excavations followed in 2008. Archaeologist Bénédicte Souffi led the work. The team unearthed numerous objects. They found bones, microliths, and flint tools. These artifacts suggested nomadic hunter-gatherers frequented the site around 9000-5000 BC.
Avenue Henri Farman is also home to significant buildings. The headquarters of the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile is located here. Since 2011, a waste sorting center has been operating. The engineering firm Systra established its Parisian offices here in 2012.
Close to Avenue Henri Farman lies the Paris – Issy-les-Moulineaux heliport. Also nearby are the Aquaboulevard and the Parc Omnisports Suzanne-Lenglen.
At the intersection with Rue Louis-Armand, you will find the Farman-Voisin Monument. This artwork by Paul Landowski was a gift from Suzanne Deutsch de La Meurthe. The inscription commemorates Henri Farman’s historic flight. It reads that on January 13, 1908, he flew the first kilometer in a closed circuit.
So, as you stroll along Avenue Henri Farman remember its rich history. It is a place where aviation dreams took flight. It is also a site where ancient Parisians once roamed.