“A green carpet fit for a king” whispered a tourist, captivated by the view. The Tapis Vert, a sprawling green expanse, unfurled before them. It stretched 335 meters long and 40 meters wide, connecting the Latona Fountain to the majestic Apollo Fountain. But it wasn’t always just grass. The Tapis Vert, or “Royal Walk” as it’s also known, owes its origins to Louis XIII. He envisioned this grand path through the heart of his gardens. It was André Le Nôtre, the renowned landscape architect of Louis XIV, who transformed the Tapis Vert. He expanded it, shaping the space we see today. He adorned it with twelve statues and twelve elegant vases, many of them prestigious gifts from the French Academy in Rome, shipped specifically for this purpose during the 16th century. Imagine the processions, the courtiers in their finery, strolling down this very path. The Tapis Vert wasn’t merely a part of the gardens, it was an extension of the court, a symbol of Louis XIV’s power and the grandeur of his vision.
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.