“A street named after a philosopher?” someone in our group might ask. Well, here on Avenue Pascal, we are greeted by just that! Avenue Pascal, a street that stretches through the 5th and 13th arrondissements of Paris, is named after the famous philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. The street’s namesake is a nod to the historical significance of the area. The location was once the site of the Cordelières Convent, a place with close ties to Pascal himself. Founded in 1825, Avenue Pascal traces the path of the Bièvre River valley. You’ll notice the street dips as it passes under Boulevard de Port-Royal, a reminder of the river that once flowed freely here. Avenue Pascal isn’t just a namesake though; it holds a piece of Parisian history within its bounds. The Broca Hospital, which you’ll see at numbers 54-56, stands as a testament to the street’s past. It was initially founded in 1832 as a refuge for orphans of a cholera epidemic. Later, it transformed into the Lourcine Hospital before finally becoming the Broca Hospital in the 20th century, now specializing in gerontology. Take a moment to appreciate the architectural echoes of the past. A section of the hospital’s wall still bears the remnants of the old Cordelières Convent. Two arched openings in the wall offer a glimpse into the past, reminding us of the layers of history present on Avenue Pascal.
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.