Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?

In the heart of the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Cité Malesherbes is a small, peaceful street, accessible during the week, overlooking the rue des Martyrs and the rue Victor Massé. When discovering this street, one is amazed by the architectural richness of the private mansions and the picturesque buildings that it shelters. One of the jewels of this street is, without a doubt, the polychrome façade at number 11.

At number 11 of the Cité Malesherbes, we discover an atypical and charming facade. This house was built by Anatole Jal in 1856 for the painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. On its exterior wall, representations of various biblical scenes are painted on enamelled lava. Originally intended for the church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, these magnificent ceramics were judged scandalous by Christian morality and removed from the building a few months after their installation. Jollivet then decided to use them to decorate the façade of his own house.

But rest assured, you will see that the polychrome panels removed at the time, have found their way back to the front of the church today. Indeed, it is only since a few years that the project of replacing the original panels on the facade of the church was born... In any case, we are delighted to find this historical decoration.

The three central windows on the first and second floors are richly decorated with neo-Renaissance elements such as pilasters, scrolls, arabesques, frames, vases and candelabras. Under each of these six bays is an enameled lava plaque, a reduction of those made for the façade of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

On the second floor, there are three representations of the Old Testament: The Creation of Eve, Original Sin and Adam and Eve driven from Paradise.

On the second floor , there arethree representations of the New Testament: The Adoration of the Magi, the Baptism of Christ and The Last Supper. The latter, a promise of redemption, balances the vision of the punishment of Adam and Eve.

• To be read
• Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre
• Did you know? What is the history of the Au Planteur façade in Paris that is being debated?
• Did you know? Where is the largest caryatid in Paris and what is its history?

The Cité Malesherbes, accessible during the week, begins at 59 rue des Martyrs and ends at 22 rue Victor Massé. This private road is also famous for having seen the birth, at number 3, of Jean-Philippe Smet, better known as Johnny Hallyday.

By exploring the Cité Malesherbes, you will be immersed in a true architectural and historical treasure in the heart of the city. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this rare gem during your next visit to the 9th arrondissement of Paris.