“Why is it called ‘Passage du Grand-Cerf’?” a curious voice might ask as you step onto this charming Parisian walkway. The Passage du Grand-Cerf, tucked away in the heart of the city’s 2nd arrondissement, holds a secret in its name. Look up! Notice the ornate stag’s head, a “cerf” in French, watching over the bustling shops below. This covered passage, dating back to 1825, is a survivor. It outlasted hundreds of similar arcades that once shielded fashionable Parisians from the elements. Imagine the echoes of their footsteps beneath the soaring 12-meter high glass ceiling, the highest of all the Parisian passages! This architectural marvel wasn’t always about chic boutiques and artisan crafts. In the 1800s, workshops and ateliers thrived here, their craftspeople working high above the shoppers. Look for remnants of this bygone era in the building’s structure. The Passage du Grand-Cerf stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving spirit, whispering tales of a bygone Paris while embracing the vibrant energy of today.
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.