Slipping through a crack in time, we find ourselves at Passage Abel Leblanc. This isn’t just any Parisian passage. It’s a whisper of old Paris, tucked away in the 12th arrondissement. Passage Abel Leblanc stretches a mere 126 meters, a slender thread connecting Rue de Charenton to Rue Crozatier. Don’t let its size fool you. This passage holds a story. It’s named after Abel Leblanc, a wealthy industrialist from Coulommiers. He was a miller of Brie, and, importantly, the owner of the land where this passage first opened in 1860. Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carriages echoing through the newly paved passage. Back then, Passage Abel Leblanc was a private way, gated at both ends, a secluded world within the bustling city. Today, the gates are gone, but the sense of stepping back in time remains. Look closely at the building on the corner of Rue Crozatier. You’ll see trompe-l’œil windows, a playful trick of the eye, a reminder of the artistry woven into the fabric of Paris. Passage Abel Leblanc is more than a shortcut. It’s a testament to a man named Abel, a glimpse into a bygone era, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
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.