La Maison Bleue, Angers

Historic Building in Angers

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Selbymay

La Maison Bleue is an Art Deco apartment building in central Angers, at the corner of Boulevard du Maréchal-Foch and Rue d'Alsace. Built between 1927 and 1929, it is best known for its mosaic-covered façade by Isidore Odorico, created in shifting bands of ochre, blue, and gold.

This is a short exterior stop rather than a conventional attraction, but the detail rewards slow looking. Architecture fans, photographers, and anyone following Angers’ early 20th-century heritage will get the most from it, while visitors focused only on interiors or museums may find it less essential.

History and Significance
- Interwar Design in Angers
- Odorico’s Mosaics
Things to See and Do
How to Get to the La Maison Bleue
Where to Stay Close
Is the La Maison Bleue Worth Visiting?
Practical Tips on Visiting the La Maison Bleue
FAQs for Visiting the La Maison Bleue

History and Significance

Interwar Design in Angers

La Maison Bleue was built between 1927 and 1929, when Art Deco was reshaping the look of modern French cities. Architect Roger Jusserand designed the building as a city-centre residence, combining practical urban housing with a highly decorative public face.

The building also marked a technical shift for Angers, as it was known as the city's first apartment building with an elevator. That detail matters because La Maison Bleue was not only decorative; it presented itself as a modern place to live.

Odorico’s Mosaics

The façade owes much of its character to Isidore Odorico, the mosaic artist associated with some of western France’s most recognisable Art Deco decoration. The tilework uses geometric patterns, colour gradients, and metallic-looking accents to make the upper floors visually lighter than the base.

Inside, the same decorative ambition continued in the entrance and shared spaces, although the building remains private. The façade and entrance hall were classified as historic monuments in 2019, protecting the most important parts of the design.

Things to See and Do

Most visitors see La Maison Bleue from the pavement on Boulevard du Maréchal-Foch and Rue d'Alsace. I'd treat it as a slow five- to twenty-minute stop: stand back to read the full height of the façade, then move closer to study the small mosaic pieces and the change in colour between the lower and upper floors.

The building works best as part of a central Angers walk rather than as a standalone outing. It sits near shops, tram stops, cafés, and the main pedestrian streets, so it is easy to add between Place du Ralliement, the cathedral area, and the city's museums.

Interior access is not normally available because this is a residential building. If a heritage event or official guided visit includes the entrance hall, it can add useful context, but the exterior remains the main reason to come.

How to Get to the La Maison Bleue

Nantes Atlantique Airport is the nearest major airport for most international and domestic arrivals, with onward travel to Angers by train or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Angers on Booking.com.

Angers-Saint-Laud station is the city's main rail hub, and La Maison Bleue is a short tram ride or a manageable walk from the station. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Driving into the centre is possible, but for this brief stop it is usually easier to use a central public car park and continue on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Where to Stay Close

For a culture-heavy Angers trip, the best base is the city centre around Place du Ralliement, Boulevard Foch, and the pedestrian streets, where you can walk to La Maison Bleue, the cathedral, museums, restaurants, and tram stops.

Hôtel Saint Julien works well if you want a central pedestrian-square location close to the theatre and main sights. Hôtel d’Anjou is a practical choice for staying on Boulevard Foch near La Maison Bleue, especially if you prefer a traditional hotel in the centre. Novotel Angers Centre Gare suits travelers prioritising train access, modern rooms, and a straightforward link between the station and the centre.

Is the La Maison Bleue Worth Visiting?

La Maison Bleue is worth a short stop if you enjoy Art Deco, mosaics, or distinctive city architecture, but it is a minor attraction rather than a half-day visit. The exterior is the main experience, so skip it if you are looking for a museum-style interior, ticketed rooms, or a structured visit; treat it as optional if your time in Angers is very limited.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (14)

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.

Laurent Ducousset

7 months ago

"The renovation was completed a few days ago. The craftsmen did a superb job restoring the blue of the mosaic to the facade."

nounours delyoncésar

7 months ago

"Still as beautiful and pretty"

Michela

4 months ago

"Very beautiful, it's a shame you can't visit it"

Alexandre LANTHEAUME

5 months ago

"How beautiful, but what a job, congratulations!"

France BELLOUET

a year ago

"Blue house under renovation completely covered with a tarpaulin so not visible (23/05/24)"

Practical Tips on Visiting the La Maison Bleue

Best time to visit: Late morning or afternoon is usually best, when daylight helps pick out the blue and gold tones on the façade. A dry, bright day makes the mosaics easier to photograph.
How long to spend: Allow 10-20 minutes for the exterior. Add more time only if you are combining it with nearby streets, shops, or a guided heritage visit.
Accessibility: The exterior can be viewed from the surrounding pavements in the city centre. Interior access is limited and should not be assumed.
Facilities: There are no visitor facilities inside the building. Cafés, shops, public transport, and public car parks are available nearby in central Angers.

FAQs for Visiting the La Maison Bleue

Getting There

La Maison Bleue stands in central Angers on Boulevard du Maréchal-Foch, at the corner with Rue d’Alsace. The listed street address is 10 Boulevard du Maréchal-Foch.

From Place du Ralliement, walk south toward Rue d’Alsace and Boulevard Foch. The building is close enough to include as a short detour while moving between the main shopping streets and the older centre.

From Angers-Saint-Laud station, you can walk into the centre in around 15 minutes, or take the tram toward the central stops and continue on foot. The building is near the Foch and Ralliement area.

Tickets & Entry

The exterior is free to view from the street at any time. Interior access is not part of a normal visit and may only be possible during occasional heritage events or organised tours.

No booking is needed to see the façade. If you want to enter during a special heritage visit, check availability in advance because access is limited and the building is private.

Visiting Experience

Ten minutes is enough to see the full façade, take a few photos, and notice the colour shift in the mosaics. Stay longer only if you are especially interested in Art Deco details.

Yes, if your route already passes through the city centre and you like architecture. It should not replace major sights, but it fits easily between them.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Combine it with Place du Ralliement, the shopping streets around Rue d’Alsace, Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, Maison d’Adam, and the museums near the historic centre. This makes the stop feel connected rather than isolated.

An independent stop is enough for most visitors because the façade is the main feature. A guided tour is useful if it includes interior access or detailed commentary on Odorico’s mosaic work.

Photography

Yes, especially for close shots of the mosaic patterns and wider views showing the height of the façade. The best photos usually come from stepping back far enough to include the upper floors.

Bright but not harsh daylight works best, often late morning or afternoon depending on the season. Overcast weather still allows detail shots, but the colours can look flatter.

Accessibility & Facilities

The exterior is viewable from public pavements in the centre of Angers, so it can be approached without entering the building. Kerbs, street crossings, and city-centre foot traffic may still affect ease of movement.

No, La Maison Bleue is not set up as a visitor attraction with toilets, a desk, or public rooms. Use nearby cafés, museums, or public facilities in the centre instead.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Look around Rue d’Alsace, Boulevard Foch, and Place du Ralliement. These central streets have cafés, bakeries, brasseries, and quick lunch options within a short walk.

Safety & Timing

The surrounding streets are central and active, with shops, restaurants, tram stops, and regular foot traffic. As in any city centre, keep normal awareness of belongings, especially around busy stops and shopping streets.

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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