What secrets does a name hold? Take the Boulevard de Beauséjour right here in Paris. Don’t let the name fool you. Boulevard de Beauséjour translates to “beautiful stay” boulevard. This street whispers stories of a time when this bustling avenue was once just a humble path bordering a sprawling park. Imagine, if you will, the year 1853. The city of Paris and the Paris to Saint-Germain Railway Company, in their quest to connect the city with the burgeoning suburbs, carved out this boulevard. It replaced a quiet path on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, known then as the “route de ronde à Auteuil”. This new boulevard, flanking the vast Parc de Beauséjour, became a sought-after address. It even housed the famous dachas, traditional Russian country houses, brought all the way from the 1867 World’s Fair. Some of these were even disassembled in Russia and rebuilt piece by piece here! Over the years, Boulevard de Beauséjour has transformed, but it still holds onto its history. It’s a fascinating blend of old and new, a testament to the ever-evolving story of Paris.
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.