A hidden gem in the 12th arrondissement, Square Louis Gentil is a place to escape the Parisian bustle. It sits modestly between Rue Joseph Chailley and Avenue du General Dodds. This small square is named after Louis Émile Gentil, a celebrated geologist, explorer, and member of the Academy of Sciences. Gentil was renowned for his exploration of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. You may be surprised to hear that the square was created in the 1930s on the former site of Bastion 5, part of the Thiers wall that once encircled Paris. Now you can stroll through the charming square, enjoying its peace and quiet, and imagine the bustling activity of the city’s historical defenses.
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.