Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Café-Bar located at 5 rue Mesnil in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, now called 'Le Petit Rétro', was opened around 1920 under the name 'Bar Marcel'. Its front, characteristic of the time, consists of a wooden formwork decorated with golden letters under glass. This detail, combined with its interior covered with ceramic tiles with ochre and green floral motifs, makes it a typical example of the Art Deco style of the 1920s, reflecting the geometric and colourful aesthetics of this period.

Ranked Historic Monument by order of 23 May 1984, the café bar is protected for its front and interior decoration. These well-preserved elements illustrate the Parisian commercial architecture of the early twentieth century, where such establishments served as places of sociability for the inhabitants of the neighborhood. The wooden front and ceramic tiles, with their stylized motifs, bear witness to an artisanal savoir-faire today rare, while evoking the atmosphere of the Parisian cafes of the inter-war period.

The exact address of the monument, 5 Mesnil Street, is listed in the Merimée base under the code Insee 75116, confirming its anchoring in the 16th arrondissement. Although the accuracy of its location is considered "passable" (note of 5/10), it remains a historical and cultural landmark for the area. Its current name, 'Le Petit Rétro', pays tribute to its legacy while emphasizing its retro character, attracting both history lovers and customers in search of an authentic atmosphere.

External links