Did this street always seem so peaceful? Here at Villa Curial, the ambiance whispers tranquility. It’s hard to imagine that this pedestrian haven, tucked away in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, was once a bustling hub of activity. Villa Curial, established in 1979, gets its name from the nearby Rue Curial. This street honors General Philibert Jean-Baptiste Curial, a valiant defender of this neighborhood during the tumultuous year of 1814. The villa itself is more than just a street; it’s a unique residential complex comprising ten buildings and over a thousand apartments. This architectural marvel, designed by André Eliescaud, sprawls from Rue Curial to Rue d’Aubervilliers, even reaching as far as Rue Labois-Rouillon. While its Brutalist style might not appeal to everyone, the buildings hold hidden artistic treasures. Look closely, and you’ll discover a captivating ceramic frieze by Michel Deverne gracing the entrance. Venture further into the heart of the villa, and you’ll find a breathtaking 4.5-meter-tall marble sculpture by Yves Banchelin. But that’s not all. Pierre Sabatier’s undulating concrete wave sculpture graces the wall bordering the Centquatre-Paris cultural center. And if you’re lucky enough to step inside one of the buildings, you might stumble upon Birgitta Ara’s captivating hammered copper artwork. Villa Curial is a silent testament to a time when art and architecture intertwined, hidden in plain sight.
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.