“Chemin Rural 21, you say? A rural path, smack-dab in the middle of Paris?” a skeptical voice might question. And yet, here we are, standing before a testament to France’s unique approach to public land. Chemin Rural 21 isn’t your typical Parisian boulevard. It’s a rural path, owned by the commune of Rueil-Malmaison, but open to the public for their enjoyment. It’s a fascinating quirk of French law – these spaces, called “Chemins Ruraux,” are often remnants of an agricultural past, now woven into the fabric of urban life. They might not see the bustle of the Champs-Élysées, but they offer a serene escape, a glimpse into the quieter side of French life. The Chemin Rural 21, like others of its kind, might be listed on a PDIPR, a departmental map of walking and hiking trails. Imagine, a rural path, meandering through the heart of a bustling city, a testament to the enduring connection between urban and rural France.
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.