Rumors swirl around Voie des Castors in Thiais. They say it’s named after the “Castors,” a post-World War II cooperative self-building movement. Voie des Castors whispers of a time when families pooled their resources and labor. They built their own homes in a spirit of solidarity. Imagine families, after the devastation of war, coming together to create their own little slice of paradise. The Castors movement began in the late 1940s. It provided a solution to the severe housing shortage. Families, unable to afford traditional housing, contributed their “sweat equity.” They worked collectively during their free time, building not just houses, but a community. The movement spread across France. It saw the creation of thousands of homes. Voie des Castors is a testament to this spirit of self-reliance and community. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people can come together to build something beautiful and lasting. It stands as a quiet tribute to the Castors who, brick by brick, built their dreams.
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.