“A one-way street? Who decided that was a good idea?” the exasperated Parisian muttered, shaking his fist at the traffic jam at Rond-point du Général Leclerc. This bustling roundabout, named after the famous French general who helped liberate Paris, often sparks such reactions from drivers. Originally called Avenue d’Orléans, this grand avenue stretching from Place Denfert-Rochereau to the Porte d’Orléans, received its new name in 1948, honoring Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque. The Rond-point du Général Leclerc, marking a key point on this avenue, stands as a testament to his legacy. Interestingly, Leclerc met an untimely end in a plane crash in 1947, as he prepared to advocate for French withdrawal from Indochina, even before the region’s wars of liberation truly ignited. This tragic end only adds to the weight of history felt at Rond-point du Général Leclerc. So, the next time you find yourself amidst the swirling traffic here, take a moment. Remember the general who it honors, a man who fought for France’s freedom and met a premature end fighting for peace. His story, like this roundabout, is a poignant reminder of the complexities 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.