Tucked away in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, a hidden gem awaits us. Villa des Houseaux, a narrow lane that stretches for just 33 meters. The name ‘Houseaux’ has an intriguing history, linked not to the grand houses we see in this part of Paris, but to something more ancient and rustic – ‘houzeaux’, the high leather leggings worn by riders long ago. The shape of the land on which this villa sits reminded the locals of these protective coverings. The name reflects the way the locals saw the world and their history here. The Villa des Houseaux was created in 1998 and named in 2000, a relatively new addition to the streetscape of the 20th arrondissement. While it may not hold the grandeur of other Parisian pathways, Villa des Houseaux offers a tranquil escape and a chance to understand the historical connections to the land. So take a moment, imagine those leather leggings, and appreciate the uniqueness of this tiny street that tells a bigger story.
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.