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Origin and history

The square of Orléans, also known as the "Cité des Trois-Frères", is a private city in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, designed on the model of London squares. Located at 80 Taitbout Street, this neo-classical architectural complex was built between 1829 and 1841 by the English architect Edward Cresy. Originally, the estate belonged to the family of composer Daniel-François-Esprit Auber under the First Empire, before being acquired in 1822 by actress Mademoiselle Mars, who lived there until 1829. Cresy bought the land in 1829 to build six low-rise buildings around a central garden, initially accessible by 36 rue Saint-Lazare.

Renamed "Cité d'Orléans" under the July monarchy, the square became a popular place of residence for romantic artists. Alexandre Dumas organized a legendary costume ball there in 1833, while George Sand, Frédéric Chopin, and Charles Valentin Alkan lived there at different times. The pianist Zimmerman occupied two floors there for 40 years, and his son-in-law Édouard Dubufe, painter, installed his studio there. The actress Mademoiselle Mars, the scientist Étienne Arago, and the writer Maxime du Camp (who hosted Gustave Flaubert) are among his illustrious residents.

Sold in 1857 by Cresy, the square changed ownership in 1863 with Jean-Pierre Normand, a cashmere merchant. Ranked a historic monument in 1977 for its facades, roofs and floors, it now embodies a major architectural and cultural heritage of romantic Paris. Its access is now via Taitbout Street, near Saint-Georges Metro Station (line 12).

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