“A grand avenue, fit for an emperor,” a Parisian might have exclaimed in 1852. That year, this very stretch of road, Avenue Napoléon Bonaparte in Rueil-Malmaison, received its current name. It’s a tribute to Napoleon I, but the avenue’s history stretches back further than the emperor’s reign. Originally, it was known as Avenue de Paris, a name that hints at its original function, a route leading to the capital. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles traversing this path, connecting Rueil-Malmaison with the bustling heart of Paris. Avenue Napoléon Bonaparte isn’t in Paris itself. It is situated in Rueil-Malmaison, a charming commune in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The avenue holds a piece of cinematic history too. Scenes from the 2007 film “Trois Amis” were filmed right here, bringing a touch of movie magic to this historic thoroughfare. As you stroll down Avenue Napoléon Bonaparte today, picture the layers of history beneath your feet. From its days as Avenue de Paris to its imperial renaming, this street has witnessed the evolution of French society. This avenue also housed notable institutions, like the Laboratoire Industriel d’Électronique Édouard Belin at number 296. It’s more than just a road; it’s a thread woven into the fabric of French history and culture.
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.