What to do in the Val d'Oise? Heritage, places to visit and activities not to be missedAugustePerret (1874-1954) is one of the best-known French architects of the first half of the 20th century. Using concrete as an aesthetic and solid medium, and as a vehicle for major urbanization in the French regions, he distinguished himself with a style all his own, both industrial and delicate.
He was the first architect to make reinforced concrete a material in its own right, and is considered the "Master of Reinforced Concrete". From the beginning of the 20th century, he designed the Champs-Elysées theater and numerous other buildings, including theNotre-Dame church in Le Raincy (93), famous for its "concrete lace" walls, a technique developed by the architect to add a more aesthetic aspect to simple reinforced concrete. In the aftermath of the Second World War, Auguste Perret won the most important reconstruction project of all: that of the city of Le Havre, in Normandy, which had been completely ravaged by bombing during the war.
Even today, many buildings in Paris and the Île-de-France region are still lived in or used on a daily basis: an opportunity for the general public to follow in the footsteps of Auguste Perret and his formidable projects.
The Champs-Elysées theater
Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, it's one of the most beautiful venues in Paris: its structure is made entirely of concrete, a first for a concert hall.
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées : Paris's architectural and scenic jewel
Discover the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a renowned architectural monument and the epicenter of Parisian cultural life. [Read more]
The Chana Orloff workshop in Paris
When artist Charna Orloff wanted to build her studio residence, she turned directly to architect Auguste Perret. He proposed a luminous workplace with a dual function as office and living space. This original home-workshop is located in the 14th arrondissement: it can still be visited on certain days of the week.
The Cortot Room
An iconic Parisian concert hall, the Salle Cortot is located in the 17th arrondissement. Listed as a historic monument, it was created in 1926 by Auguste Perret, just a few years after the architect's first success with the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
The Palais d'Iéna
In the 16th arrondissement, the Palais d'Iéna is the headquarters of the International Chamber of Commerce's Economic, Social and Environmental Council. Previously known as the Musée National des Travaux Publics, its function was changed in 1960. The building was designed and built by Auguste Perret in the Art Deco style.
The Mobilier national building
Since 1937, the Mobilier National has been based in the former gardens of the Manufacture des Gobelins, in the 13th arrondissement. Designed by Auguste Perret, the Mobilier National reserves are also open to the public.
The building on rue Franklin
At 25 bis rue Franklin, in the 16th arrondissement, nestles an immense building by Perret: with its facade proudly displaying reinforced concrete, the building is one of the architect's first constructions in Paris. Created in 1904, it's here that Perret applied his concept of the free plan: there are no load-bearing walls, only concrete columns holding the building upright. As the building is private, it cannot be visited, but the façade is visible from the street. A wooden model of the building can be seen at the Cité du patrimoine et de l'architecture.
Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse in Montmagny (95)
Located in the Val-d'Oise region of France, this chapel bears Perret's signature from afar, with its geometric bell tower built entirely in reinforced concrete. In 1926, Abbé Garnier commissioned Auguste Perret to design the new church, which took just one year to build.
Notre-Dame church in Le Raincy (93)
Aptly named the Saint-Chapelle of reinforced concrete, Notre-Dame du Raincy church was built in 1922 and 1923 by the Perret brothers (Auguste and Gustave). Listed as a French historic monument since 1966, it dominates the town of Le Raincy with its 43-metre-high bell tower.
It's the perfect opportunity to take a stroll around Paris, discovering the architect's creations, or to explore the permanent collections of the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, at the Trocadéro, and observe them in model form!
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, located in the Palais Chaillot on Place du Trocadéro, is an exceptional, monumental 22,000 m2 museum housing numerous models, city plans and immense scupltures. Here, you can take an in-depth look at some of the world's most beautiful buildings, and immerse yourself in the world of technology, architecture and urban planning. [Read more]
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées : Paris's architectural and scenic jewel
Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris, opening hours, tickets and exhibitions
