Have you ever wondered why a street in Paris is named after a small town in Picardy? Rue d’Abbeville, just a stone’s throw from Gare du Nord, holds a unique history connected to this distant town. The name Rue d’Abbeville, meaning “street of Abbeville”, was bestowed upon this Parisian thoroughfare in 1894, as a testament to the town’s railway connection to the bustling Parisian station. The street was officially designated as Route d’Abbeville in 1847. The origins of the street can be traced back to two separate ordinances, one in 1827 and another in 1861, both contributing to the development of Rue d’Abbeville in its current form. Interestingly, the portion between Rue de Rocroy and Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière was only completed in 1894. Despite its humble name, Rue d’Abbeville boasts a hidden gem – the magnificent Art Nouveau building at number 14. Completed in 1901, this architectural masterpiece features intricate ceramic glazed stoneware by Alexandre Bigot, known for his contributions to other Art Nouveau buildings across the French capital. The building, with its green facade adorned with floral and animal patterns, is a stark contrast to the surrounding Haussmann architecture. Look upwards – you’ll see squirrels and owls forever gazing upon the street below. Today, Rue d’Abbeville is a vibrant mix of historic charm and modern life, captivating visitors with its Parisian ambiance. If you find yourself near Gare du Nord seeking a taste of Art Nouveau splendor, be sure to take a stroll down Rue d’Abbeville and admire its unique treasures.
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.