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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Cure d'air Trianon is an ancient Art Nouveau style guinguette, built in 1902 in Malzéville, on the dominant heights of Nancy. Designed by architect Georges Biet and engineer Frédéric Schertzer for owner L. Royer, it is distinguished by its metal structure in riveted steel, inspired by the techniques of the Universal Exhibition of 1889. The building, both a brasserie and a dance floor, was decorated with 22 advertising windows designed by Henri Bergé, representing brands of drinks and products of the time.

La Cure d'air Trianon, opened from May to September, operated until about 1907, offering a panorama of Nancy and access to the arboretum of the Abietinée. Its architecture, typical of the École de Nancy, highlights the apparent metal structure, according to the principles of Émile Gallé. The terrace, covered with a velum, served as a dance floor, while the ground floor housed a bright brasserie thanks to the stained glass windows. After its closure, the place was transformed into a summer residence by Auguste Bichaton.

Classified as a historic monument in 1989 for its metal architecture and stained glass windows, the Cure d'air Trianon is a rare example of Art Nouveau industrial architecture in Europe. The stained glass windows, damaged by weather and vandalism, have been partially preserved, although four have disappeared. This monument illustrates the collaboration between architects, engineers and artists, embodying the ideal of the École de Nancy: the union of form, decoration and function.

The materials used, such as Pompey steelworks, and construction techniques reflect the industrial innovation of the time. The stained glass windows, executed by Henri Bergé for the Daum glass factory, incorporated advertisements for drinks (absinthe, champagne, rum) in a stylish floral decor. La Cure d'air Trianon was connected to the Grand Café du Point Central in Nancy by a horse car service, highlighting its role in the social and festive life of the region at the beginning of the 20th century.

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