“A dead end, you say?” The tourist tilted their head, squinting at the street sign. “But every story has an end, right?” We’re standing at Rue Auboin in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Rue Auboin isn’t your typical grand Parisian boulevard. It’s a short, unassuming street, a mere 42 meters long and 9 meters wide. A former landowner, Mr. Auboin, lent his name to this little road, a quiet echo in the bustling city. Originally, Rue Auboin extended into the territory of Clichy, a neighboring commune. It ran under what is now the bustling périphérique, the ring road that encircles Paris. Imagine the change! From a quiet suburban street to a tucked-away corner of the city. A decree officially annexed this part of Clichy to Paris. But the construction of the périphérique in 1969 dramatically altered Rue Auboin’s path, shortening it and turning it into the dead end we see today. So, while our journey down Rue Auboin might literally reach a dead end, the story of the street, like all stories, continues to unfold, a testament to the ever-changing face of Paris.
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.