Just outside Paris, this town hall features a striking Art Deco design.

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on January 27, 2026 at 04:50 p.m.
History and Heritage With its striking façade, sleek design, and nostalgic charm, the Montreuil town hall stands out on the cityscape. But what makes it so different from other municipal buildings in the Île-de-France region? Here’s a deep dive into the story of a building that’s truly one of a kind.

Upon arriving in Montreuil, in Seine-Saint-Denis, the sight of the imposing, square-shaped building set proudly on Place Jean Jaurès is impossible to overlook. Yet, this is far from the typical image of a town hall. Instead, visitors discover an architectural masterpiece that epitomizes the modernity of the 1930s, characterized by geometric forms and bold lines: welcome to the world of Art Deco.

In the 1930s, Montreuil was a vibrant, rapidly evolving town. It was time for a town hall that matched its ambitions! It was the city’s own architect, Florent Nanquette, who conceived the new City Hall, opened in 1935. His vision: to create a building that was practical, modern, and stylish, drawing inspiration from the then-popular Art Deco movement.

Result: a solid, imposing structure featuring geometric shapes, noble materials, and above all… a community hall seamlessly integrated into the building — a bold choice for its time! Inside, the building also reveals delightful surprises. On the grand staircase, visitors can admire a towering painting by Paul Signac, the renowned pointillist artist, titled "In an Era of Harmony". This colorful and luminous piece is also profoundly engaged, celebrating peace and brotherhood.

Throughout the building, you'll find works of art adorning the salons, corridors, and council chamber: paintings, frescoes, period furniture... and occasionally, guided tours are held to unveil these hidden treasures.

So, is Montreuil the only town to have embraced Art Deco for its town hall? Not quite, but it's definitely a rarity! This architectural style can also be found in a few other Île-de-France cities such as Boulogne-Billancourt, Cachan, and Poissy. Still, these examples are few and far between.

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Location

1 Place Jean Jaurès
93100 Montreuil

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