“An École Normale Supérieure, right here in the Pavillon de Valois?” someone whispered as we approached. Yes indeed. The Pavillon de Valois, once a grand entrance to the Château de Saint-Cloud, housed the École Normale Supérieure de Saint-Cloud from 1872 to 1987. Imagine, the brightest minds in science and humanities roamed these halls, their studies echoing through the rooms where courtiers once strolled. After the Franco-Prussian War and the tragic fire that consumed the Château de Saint-Cloud in 1870, the Pavillon de Valois remained standing. It became a symbol of resilience, repurposed for the pursuit of knowledge. This legacy continued, though the school eventually moved on. Now, the Pavillon de Valois stands as a reminder of the ebb and flow of time, bearing witness to centuries of history.
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.