Did the name “automobile” exist in the 18th century? It might surprise you to learn that it did, albeit in a much different form than we know it today. Here on Rue Maillard, we encounter a fascinating echo of those early automotive aspirations. This street, tucked away in the 11th arrondissement, bears the name of a visionary mechanic: Maillard. In 1731, Maillard dared to dream of a world moved not by horses but by mechanical force. He designed a chair, and later a carriage, powered by pedals and levers, a truly revolutionary concept for the time. His ingenuity earned him recognition from the prestigious Academy of Sciences. While his inventions may not have sparked an immediate automotive revolution, they planted the seeds for the future. Sadly, no trace of his workshop remains on Rue Maillard. However, the street still stands as a testament to his ingenuity, a quiet reminder of the dreams that paved the way for the cars that dominate our world 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.