On the edge of the 14th arrondissement, right next to the lovely Parc Monsoury, lies an unusual and hidden “square” that, since its construction between 1920 and 1930, has not undergone urban upheavals and has preserved the character, appearance, scent, and authenticity of other times: Square Monsoury.
The alley has a rustic and intimate character. It is narrow (5 meters wide), relatively short (207 meters long), winding and steep. It is paved with stone and is bordered by graceful, low houses – which are evidence of the fact that the ground in the area was hollow (due to the quarries that operated there in the past) and no higher construction was possible.
The 60 houses bordering the alley boast a variety of architectural styles, with intricate plastic facades, colorful cladding, and elaborate and rich decoration. The picturesque setting gives the area a unique character…sometimes even legendary – like in May 2013, when the photos were taken – when the spectacular and colorful blooms enveloped the entire pastoral street in a magical colorful trail.
And if such an atmosphere is not enough – then the spiritual memory of Le Corbusier and the Perret brothers – architects who left their mark on buildings on the street, of Fougere and Soutine – the painters who lived, drew inspiration from and created in their workshops in the alley, and of Van Dongen, Kiesling, Vlaams, Blaise Cendrard and Cocteau – who stayed with their friends who lived there – all these names whose spirit lingers over the alley – charges it with poetry and spirit.
