Have you ever heard of a place named after a record-breaking pilot? Place de l’Amiral Hébrard, right here in Paray-Vieille-Poste, commemorates Admiral Paul Hébrard. Not just any admiral, mind you. This man soared through the skies, pushing the boundaries of aviation in the golden age of flight. Place de l’Amiral Hébrard is more than just a square. It’s a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the skies and to France, both in war and peace.
Paul Hébrard, born in Toulouse in 1901, began his naval career in 1918. His true passion, however, lay with aviation. He became a skilled pilot, mastering everything from balloons and dirigibles to airplanes and seaplanes. He even served as director of the Istres flight school. Hébrard wasn’t content with just teaching others to fly. He wanted to make his own mark on aviation history. In 1935, he co-piloted the Latécoère 300 seaplane “Croix du Sud” on a record-breaking flight from Cherbourg to Ziguinchor, Senegal. They covered a staggering 4,338 kilometers, setting a new world distance record for seaplanes.
But Hébrard’s life wasn’t just about breaking records. When war came, he answered the call. During World War II, he participated in bombing raids over Germany, including a daring attack on Berlin. During the occupation of France, he served as director of Air France while simultaneously working with the Resistance. In a daring move, Hébrard led a small group of men to recapture the Ministry of Marine in Paris during the city’s liberation in 1944.
After the war, Hébrard continued his work in aviation. He played a key role in rebuilding Air France and later led Air Inter, transforming it from a small operation with only sixteen employees and no planes of its own to a thriving airline with 200 daily flights, 40 aircraft, and 2.4 million passengers annually. Place de l’Amiral Hébrard stands as a reminder of his immense contributions to French aviation. Hébrard’s story is a testament to courage, innovation, and dedication. So as you stand here at Place de l’Amiral Hébrard, take a moment to look up at the sky and remember the man who dared to push its boundaries.