“A pen name? For a writer? How unimaginative!” That’s what you might think if you were standing here on Cité Anatole France, named after the famous French novelist. Except, Anatole France wasn’t his real name. Born Jacques Anatole Thibault in Paris in 1844, he borrowed his pen name from his father’s nickname, a shortened form of François. His father, a former soldier with a passion for books, ran a bookshop right here in Paris. Anatole, an only child, spent much of his childhood in his father’s shop. He immersed himself in literature, soaking up the conversations of literary figures who frequented the store. This unusual upbringing fostered in him a deep love for words and stories. Later, he would go on to enchant readers worldwide with his captivating tales. Anatole France, the name that echoed through literary circles for decades, was born from a simple nickname, a tribute to his family and the place where his love for words blossomed. This street, then, stands as a reminder not just of the celebrated author but also of the quiet beginnings that shaped a literary giant.
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.