“Could a street be named after a color?” You might wonder why someone would ask such a question here at Place Claude Berthollet. But Place Claude Berthollet, named after the chemist Claude Louis Berthollet, has a fascinating connection to the world of dyes and bleaches. Berthollet was a pioneer in the field of chemistry, particularly interested in the practical applications of his research. He was appointed as the director of the Gobelin tapestry works in 1784, a position that allowed him to delve into the art and science of dyeing. During his time there, he meticulously studied the properties of various dyes and developed a keen understanding of how they interacted with different materials. His research extended to the use of chlorine as a bleaching agent. This discovery revolutionized the textile industry. It made the process of whitening fabrics significantly faster and more efficient. His work with chlorine led him to develop a solution of sodium hypochlorite, which would later become popular as “Eau de Javel” — a precursor to the bleach we use today. So, Place Claude Berthollet, while not directly named after a color, stands as a testament to a man who dedicated his life to understanding and manipulating them.
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.