Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lion's grocery store is a historic monument located in Belfort, in the Vauban part of the city, where most of the buildings date from the 18th century. The building was probably transformed and raised after the 1870 war, when the store was built by Victor Blondé. The front, crowned by a lion acquired in Paris, and inside, with its metal gallery and cast iron columns, reflect the changes of that time. All furniture and interior layout has been preserved, offering a rare testimony of 19th century shops.

The Vauban district, where the grocery store is located, is characteristic of the military urban planning of Belfort, marked by fortifications designed by engineer Vauban. After 1870, the city, affected by the Franco-Prussian war, underwent architectural changes, which this building bears witness to. The grocery store, with its iconic lion and intact interior, illustrates the evolution of retail businesses and the influence of Parisian styles in the province at this time. Its classification as a historic monument in 2002 underscores its heritage importance.

The interior of the grocery store is distinguished by its rectangular plan and high gallery, supported by cast iron columns and a metal guard. These elements, typical of the commercial architecture of the second half of the 19th century, were preserved in their original state. The shop, located at 4 rue Porte-de-France, is a rare example of a grocery store of this time having retained its original layout, making it a place of interest for the study of French commercial heritage.

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