La Maison Bleue, Angers
Historic Building in Angers
In the heart of Angers, La Maison Bleue gleams like a mosaic jewel. Built between 1927 and 1929, this striking Art Deco building is one of the must-see places in Angers for lovers of architecture and design. Designed by architect Roger Jusserand and adorned by mosaic artist Isidore Odorico, it stands as a stunning testament to the creativity and optimism of the interwar period. Its eight-story façade, decorated with thousands of colorful ceramic tiles, transitions from warm ochres at the base to rich blues and golds at the top - a visual symphony that captures light and imagination alike.
More than just a feast for the eyes, La Maison Bleue was a marvel of modernity when completed. It was the first building in Angers to feature an elevator, and its interiors were lavishly finished with mosaics, frescoes, and custom Art Deco details. Even today, this architectural gem continues to dazzle passersby and inspire admiration, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Angers.
History and Significance of La Maison Bleue
La Maison Bleue was conceived at a time when Angers, like much of France, was embracing progress and artistic experimentation. Roger Jusserand, the building's architect, collaborated with the celebrated mosaicist Isidore Odorico, whose workshop in Rennes was renowned across France for its mastery of decorative tilework. Together, they created a building that perfectly captures the spirit of the Art Deco era - luxurious yet functional, artistic yet modern.
The building’s design features a rhythmic composition of geometric motifs and fluid patterns inspired by nature. The gradual color shift from ochre to blue across the façade symbolizes harmony and upward movement, while gilded accents lend a sense of grandeur. Inside, the artistry continues with mosaic-lined staircases, shimmering ceilings, and even parrot-themed frescoes in the bathrooms - a whimsical detail typical of the Roaring Twenties’ fascination with exoticism.
In 2019, La Maison Bleue's façade and entrance hall were classified as historic monuments, ensuring their protection for generations to come. Restoration work continues to preserve Odorico's mosaics and the building's structural integrity. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers if you want to experience the city's blend of historical charm and early 20th-century innovation.
Things to See and Do at La Maison Bleue
While La Maison Bleue is primarily a residential building, visitors can still admire its exterior from Place du Pilori or Rue d'Alsace, where its façade catches the sunlight and reveals its intricate craftsmanship. Guided heritage tours organized by the city of Angers occasionally include access to the entrance hall or select private apartments, offering a rare glimpse of the building's lavish interior mosaics and Art Deco details.
For architecture enthusiasts, simply standing before La Maison Bleue is a visual delight - every angle offers a new appreciation of the gradient colors and textures. The neighborhood itself is lively, filled with shops, cafés, and boutiques, making it a perfect stop while exploring central Angers. Often visited on walking tours of Angers, this area showcases how the city harmoniously blends medieval, Renaissance, and modern styles.
Practical Information
- Best time to visit La Maison Bleue: Late morning or afternoon, when the sun enhances the colors of the mosaics
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free (exterior viewing)
- Opening hours: Viewable year-round; interior access only during special tours or events
- Official website: www.angers.fr
- How long to spend: 10-20 minutes for exterior viewing; 1 hour if included in a guided tour
- Accessibility: Easily accessible on foot in central Angers
- Facilities: Shops and cafés nearby; no public access inside
- Photography tip: Visit on a clear day to capture the light shimmering across the façade’s blue and gold tiles
- Guided tours: Offered by the Angers Tourist Office during heritage events
- Nearby food options: Several brasseries and bakeries around Rue d’Alsace and Place du Pilori
How to Get There
La Maison Bleue is located at the intersection of Rue d'Alsace and Rue Saint-Aubin in downtown Angers, about a 10-minute walk from Place du Ralliement. From Angers-Saint-Laud train station, take tram line A to “Ralliement” and continue on foot. The building's striking façade makes it impossible to miss - it's a short stroll from the city's main shopping street.
Is La Maison Bleue Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt. For fans of Art Deco, La Maison Bleue is one of the top sights in Angers. Its blend of architecture, artistry, and history offers a refreshing contrast to the city's Gothic and medieval landmarks. Even from the outside, the building's vibrant façade and detailed mosaics make it an unforgettable stop for photographers and design lovers alike.
Other Sites Nearby
- Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers - The city's Gothic icon, just a few minutes' walk away.
- Maison d'Adam - A beautifully preserved 15th-century timber-framed house with carved figures.
- Galerie David d'Angers - A light-filled gallery dedicated to the works of the celebrated sculptor.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers - A refined collection of European paintings and local heritage.
- Grand Théâtre d'Angers - A 19th-century architectural gem and cultural centerpiece, one of the things to do in Angers for art lovers.
La Maison Bleue stands as a shimmering reminder that beauty and craftsmanship endure across eras. Whether you admire it from the street or catch a glimpse inside during a guided tour, this Art Deco treasure offers a different, dazzling perspective on Angers - where history meets color, light, and imagination.
What Other Travellers Say...
La Maison Bleue, au 10 Boulevard du Maréchal Foch à Angers, est une façade récemment restaurée qui retrouve son bleu de mosaïque grâce au travail soigné des artisans ; les visiteurs la trouvent très jolie et admirent la qualité de la rénovation, même si certains notent qu'elle n'est pas accessible à l'intérieur.
The La Maison Bleue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
- Hôtel de Ville d'Angers (0.2) km
Town Hall - Collégiale Saint-Martin (0.2) km
Church - Grand Théâtre (0.3) km
Theatre - Tour Saint-Aubin (0.3) km
Tower - Pincé Museum (0.4) km
Museum - Maison d’Adam (0.4) km
Historic Building - Musée des Beaux-Arts (0.4) km
Museum - Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers (0.4) km
Cathedral - Palacio del Tau (0.4) km
Palace - Museum of Natural Sciences (0.5) km
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