Nestled in Sèvres, Avenue Jules Gevelot whispers tales of a remarkable man. This avenue, named after Jules-Félix Gévelot, isn’t just a street. It’s a tribute to an industrialist, politician, and innovator. Avenue Jules Gevelot invites you to discover the legacy of the man behind the famous “Gévelot” cartridges. Born in Paris in 1826, Gévelot inherited his father’s arms and military equipment business at the young age of 18. He transformed the company, established around 1816 by Joseph-Marin Gévelot, into a munitions powerhouse. The company, initially located in Paris, moved to Issy-les-Moulineaux under Jules Gévelot’s leadership. He focused on producing cartridges and war capsules. By 1869, production reached a staggering 100 million units annually, tripling by the end of the 19th century. The company, which became the Société Française de Munitions (S.F.M.) in 1884, expanded to cover 70 hectares with 50 buildings by 1898. Gévelot’s enterprise showcased French industrial prowess at international exhibitions in London (1861) and Paris (1878). He became a leading figure in precision forging and volumetric pumps. Avenue Jules Gevelot also reflects Gévelot’s political life. He served as mayor of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and as a deputy from 1869 until his death in 1904. He was a signatory of the Manifeste des 363 in May 1877 and president of the Orne General Council. He even survived the infamous Montparnasse train crash in 1895. Today, Avenue Jules Gevelot stands as a quiet reminder of this dynamic figure. His impact on industry and politics resonates through the avenue that bears his name.
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.