Tucked away in the heart of the 11th arrondissement, you’ll find a hidden gem: the Cité de la Roquette. This short, quiet street might seem unassuming now, but its name holds a fascinating story. The Cité de la Roquette gets its name from a humble plant – the arugula. This little plant, with its pale yellow or white flowers and purple veins, once flourished in the rubble of this area. In Latin, arugula is called “eruca,” meaning “cabbage,” highlighting its simple nature. Established around 1890, the Cité de la Roquette reflects the transformation of Paris. Once a site where resilient arugula sprouted, it became a testament to the city’s growth and evolution. Today, it stands as a quaint street, its history intertwined with the unassuming plant that gave it its name.
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.