Tucked away in the bustling 14th arrondissement lies a tranquil oasis: Square du Chanoine Viollet. This charming park, you might be surprised to learn, holds a secret past. The Square du Chanoine Viollet may seem like just a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. But it played a vital role in France’s darkest hour: World War II. During the Nazi occupation, the square’s namesake, Abbé Viollet, was a beacon of hope and resistance. The Abbé, a true humanitarian, had dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate. He founded the Œuvres du Moulin Vert, providing housing, childcare, and aid to the poor. But his good deeds didn’t stop there. In the spring of 1944, Abbé Viollet secretly sheltered the French Resistance in his home right here, on Rue de Gergovie. Imagine the clandestine meetings, the hushed whispers of rebellion in this very neighborhood! Today, the Square du Chanoine Viollet stands as a testament to his compassion and courage. The park, with its fragrant trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and playful children, reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can bloom.
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.