“Sentier des Hauts Clayaux 3,” a name that rolls off the tongue like a whisper of history. This street in Champigny-sur-Marne is more than just lanes and houses, it’s a tapestry woven with tales of forgotten lives. While the quaint houses and sidewalks exude a quiet charm, a closer look reveals something a bit more intriguing. The French word for “trail” is “sentier.” It is thought that the name arose from the trails leading to the infamous “Hill of Gravel” that once stood tall here. This hill, built not of nature but of rubbish, was a product of the medieval era, a time when bins and sewers were unheard of. Eventually, the hill was destroyed, feared to be a strategic advantage for enemies of the French monarchy. In its place, a different kind of history took root, shaping the Sentier des Hauts Clayaux 3 as we know it 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.