Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Pierrotet House, also known as Villa Javal or Villa Les Thuyas, is an iconic early 20th century building located in Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne. It embodies the Art Nouveau style, an artistic movement that marked the architecture of this era with its curved lines and nature-inspired motifs. The villa was built in 1901 by the architect Jules Viatte for the Javal family, renowned industrialists in the field of perfumes, especially for the brand Oubigan.

Before the villa was built, the property housed the house of Dr. Simon, a specialist in childhood diseases. In 1901 the perfumer Javal, wishing a modern residence, entrusted the project to Jules Viatte, a student of architect Eugène Grasset. The latter, known for his expertise in Art Nouveau, fully expressed his style. A notable incident occurred during the work: on August 11, 1902, a decorator fell on a ladder, overturning a pot of green paint on the stairs. Injured, he was transported to the hospital, and the damaged decorations were redone.

The villa is distinguished by its facades and roofs, protected since December 30, 1976 as historical monuments. This listing specifically concerns these architectural elements as State property. Located at No. 7 of Alexis-Durand Street, at the corner of Saint-Honoré Street, Pierrotet House illustrates the architectural heritage of Fontainebleau and the know-how of the artisans of the time.

The architect Jules Viatte, master of the project, integrated typical elements of Art Nouveau, such as organic shapes and neat decorative details. The villa thus reflects the influence of this movement, which sought to break with previous historical styles to embrace a more fluid and innovative aesthetic. Today, it remains a testimony of this creative period and local industrial history, linked to the rise of perfumes in France.

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