Have you ever wondered why a Parisian street is called “Colombier”? The Rue du Vieux Colombier, nestled in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, boasts a rich history that whispers through its cobblestone streets. It all began with a dovecote, a columbarium, belonging to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This dovecote, a symbol of peace and prosperity, lent its name to the street, originally known as Rue du Colombier. The street, once a bustling thoroughfare, has changed over the centuries; its name was changed to Rue du Vieux Colombier in the 17th century. The street has a more modern, artistic face thanks to a notable resident: Jacques Copeau founded his famed Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier at number 21 in 1913. This theatre was a hotbed of artistic creation, attracting prominent figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, whose existentialist play “Huis Clos” premiered in 1944. The street has also witnessed other notable events. The painter Joseph-F. Bouchor lived at number 21 around 1900. But the Rue du Vieux Colombier is more than just a street. It holds a spirit, a story that continues to weave itself in the tapestry 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.