“An observatory in the heart of Paris?” you might wonder. Yes, right here at Place du Serpentaire, once stood a testament to the city’s love for the cosmos. While the building itself has moved on, the legacy of the Observatory of the rue Serpente lingers. Founded in 1890 by the Société Astronomique de France, this wasn’t just any observatory. It was a place where anyone, from seasoned astronomers to curious Parisians, could marvel at the wonders of the universe. Imagine stepping into the observatory’s first dome, crowned with a 153mm refractor telescope crafted by T. Cooke & Sons. This wasn’t merely a viewing instrument; it was a time machine, allowing stargazers to peer millions of years into the past. In the second dome, a larger 220mm refractor, built by Antonin Benoit, awaited. This telescope, specifically designed for amateur astronomers, became a training ground for future luminaries in the field. Among them were figures like Fernand Baldet and Henri Chrétien, who honed their skills under the Parisian night sky. Sadly, the observatory at Place du Serpentaire closed its doors in 1968. However, the Société Astronomique de France found a new home nearby, ensuring that the spirit of the observatory, and its pursuit of the stars, continued to shine brightly.
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.