Can you imagine a duel fought with pens, not swords? Here at Petit Lac, such a battle of words turned deadly. Petit Lac, also known as Lac de Saint-Mandé, rests peacefully now. But in 1836, it witnessed the tragic duel between journalists Armand Carrel and Émile de Girardin. Their rivalry played out in the newspapers. It escalated until honor demanded satisfaction. They chose Petit Lac as their battleground. Carrel, shot and mortally wounded, died days later. Petit Lac, created in the 13th century, has a rich history. It started as a natural pond, then became polluted. It was even filled in during the 18th century. Revived in the 19th century by Adolphe Alphand, it was connected to the Bois de Vincennes’s water system. This cleaned the water and made Petit Lac a popular spot for Parisians. Today, the island in the center of Petit Lac offers sanctuary to birds. Ducks, swans, and gulls find refuge there, away from human disturbance. Petit Lac continues to be a place of recreation. Families enjoy the surrounding gardens and the festive atmosphere of the Chalet du Lac. The echoes of the tragic duel serve as a sobering reminder of the power of words. They also highlight the transformation of this small lake from a site of conflict to a haven of peace.
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.