Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building located at 37 avenue de Breteuil, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, was erected in 1900 by architect and entrepreneur Abel Simonet. Although its facade adopts a classic post-haussmannian style, the building hides two emblematic interior spaces of Art Nouveau: the entrance hall, decorated with polychrome ceramics, and the dining room of the first floor apartment, owned by Simonet himself. This latter space houses dark wood furniture as well as a bas-relief with a golden background, signed by carpenter E. Guillaume, representing two artisans at work.

The building also played a historic role in serving as Paris secretariat to General de Gaulle. Only some interior elements have been protected under the Historic Monuments since 1981: the vestibule with its tile decoration, the staircase, and the living room on the first floor, with its woodwork and fireplace. The accuracy of its current location is considered poor (note 5/10), and the exact address corresponds to 37 avenue de Breteuil.

Abel Simonet, master of the project, here combines the architectural codes of his time with Art Nouveau decorative audacity, illustrating the stylistic transition of the early twentieth century. The building, although partially protected, remains a testament to the aesthetic and functional innovations of this period, mixing bourgeois habitat with artistic expression. No information is available on its current access to the public, whether it be visits, rentals or accommodation.

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