Why is this lone, curious structure still standing on Boulevard Arago? You might ask yourself this question as you pass this last vestige of a bygone era. Boulevard Arago is home to the last remaining original “pissoir” in Paris. This structure, once a common sight across the city, harks back to the 1830s. It was a time when Paris, in an attempt to combat public indecency and improve sanitation, installed these open-air urinals. Known as “vespasiennes” after the Roman emperor Vespasian, who famously taxed public toilets, they became a quirky part of Parisian life. At their peak in the 1930s, over 1,200 dotted the city, even serving as advertising spaces. Over time, their numbers dwindled as they were replaced by more modern facilities. However, on Boulevard Arago, this last iron sentinel stands as a testament to a forgotten time. While it may raise eyebrows today, it’s a tangible reminder of how Paris has evolved over the centuries.
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.