Rue de Viry

Could a street in Savigny-sur-Orge hold a connection to aviation history? Rue de Viry, indeed, whispers a tale of a bygone era. Rue de Viry carries the name of a neighboring commune, Viry-Châtillon. This connection reveals a shared history, particularly tied to the groundbreaking Port-Aviation. In 1909, Viry-Châtillon became home to the world’s first organized airfield, Port-Aviation. This airfield, a marvel of its time, boasted a 4-kilometer elliptical track and grandstands for 7,000 spectators. It was here that aviation pioneers like Louis Blériot and Ferdinand Ferber took to the skies. Blériot, in a feat of extraordinary daring, launched from Port-Aviation in 1910 to become the first person to fly over Paris. His achievement earned him the gold medal from the Aéro-Club de France, cementing Port-Aviation’s place in aviation history. This vibrant hub of innovation attracted aviators from around the globe. During World War I, Port-Aviation served as a training ground for pilots from various nations, including the British Royal Air Force and the Belgian Air Component. Imagine the diverse group of 598 men, hailing from all corners of the world, learning to fly the Caudron G.3 amidst the backdrop of war. Sadly, the airfield met a less glorious end. Damaged during the war and prone to flooding from the Seine, Port-Aviation was abandoned in 1919 and later developed into residential areas. Though the airfield is gone, its legacy lives on in Rue de Viry. The street’s name serves as a constant reminder of Viry-Châtillon’s pivotal role in the early days of flight, a period of daring innovation and remarkable achievement. So, as you stroll down Rue de Viry, remember that you’re walking in the footsteps of aviation pioneers, on a street connected to a place that once touched the sky.