Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The building located at 11-11bis rue Victor-Schoelcher, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, is a typical example of the mixed buildings of artist-workshops built during the inter-war period. This area, marked by a recent building after the beginning of the 20th century, is characterized by its proximity to the Montparnasse cemetery, which runs along the eastern flank. Victor-Schoelcher Street itself, opened on detached grounds of this cemetery, was aligned by decree in 1892 and received its current name in 2000.

The 11 and 11bis building has welcomed major personalities from the artistic and intellectual world. The painter Pierre Soulages lived and worked there from 1947 to 1957. Later, the writer and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir lived there from 1955 until her death in 1986, sharing this place with Claude Lanzmann. A commemorative plaque today pays tribute to Simone de Beauvoir on the façade of the building, which is classified as a historical monument.

Victor-Schoelcher Street, about 200 metres long, connects Raspail Boulevard to Coldevaux Street. It was named after Victor Schœlcher (1804-1893), a journalist and politician known for his role in the definitive abolition of slavery in 1848. The area, served by lines 4 and 6 of the metro as well as by the RER B, is a place full of history, especially because of its role during the Liberation of Paris in August 1944, with the PC of Colonel Rol-Tanguy located at No 9 of the street.

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