When the weekend rolls around, most Parisians want just one thing: to get some fresh air. And since we're not all fans of the transiliens that take us to the other side of the region, we've found you a delightful outing (and a bit artistic) just 10 minutes from Paris! Welcome to the gardens of Villa André Bloc, classified as a historical monument since 1983. This getaway will introduce you to quirky little houses, blending sharp architecture with contemporary art.
Habitations that reinvent the idea of a home
It's in Meudon that the renowned architect André Bloc decided to set up his house-workshop in the 1950s. A unique villa, mixing concrete and glass – inspired by the works of Le Corbusier – with a huge garden. It’s on this property that the architect showcases his "habitat sculptures" or "habitat houses". These little buildings break the rules and completely redefine the classic notion of housing as we know it.
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This unique and quirky collection of little houses – without water or electricity – can be explored during a stroll around the grounds. While some houses remind you of troglodyte dwellings like the transformed caves of Turkish Cappadocia, others, like the red-brick tower, rise over 25 meters high, offering a panoramic view of Paris and a one-of-a-kind labyrinthine architecture.
When contemporary art meets architecture
Today, the grounds belong to artist and gallery owner Natalie Seroussi, whose eponymous gallery is located on Rue de Seine in the 6th arrondissement. Since 2008, she has been bringing together the habitable houses of André Bloc with a series of artistic installations created by various contemporary artists such as Ernesto Neto, Malachi Farrell, Michel François, and Phil Niblock. In short, there’s something to delight both art lovers and architecture enthusiasts, all just a short walk away!
Just minutes from the heart of Paris.
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Address: 12 Rue du Bel Air, 92190 Meudon, France