A hotel near the home of Georges Brassens? FRED HOTEL!
The history of Impasse Florimont and the home of Georges Brassens, Paris 14th
Renowned poet, singer/songwriter and musician Georges Brassens (1921 - 1981) is an icon of post-war French music. Known for his guitar rhythms and original songwriting combining lyricism and outspokenness, his best known songs include La Mauvaise réputation (bad reputation) Le Gorille (the gorilla) and Les Copains d’abord (friends first). He spent 22 years of his life at 7 impasse Florimont (Paris 14th), living with Jeanne and Marcel Planche. It was a surprisingly rustic home, to which he remained very attached his entire life.
First steps of Georges Brassens in Paris
Born and raised in Sète, Georges Brassens was only 19 when he came to the capital to seek his fortune. He first went to stay with his aunt, where he taught himself to play the piano and write poetry. In 1944 he was forced to hide from the Gestapo for having fled during a 10-day leave and found refuge with Jeanne and Marcel at number 9 (now number 7) of impasse Florimont. The conditions of life were modest: no hot water, gas or electricity; but he was given great warmth and hospitality in their home. After the liberation of Paris when he no longer a needed a place to hide, Georges Brassens decided to stay on in this atypical home in the company of the couple he was very attached to. He remained there right up until 1966, when he left in disapproval of Jeanne’s husband.
The intact charm of Impasse Florimont
At the start of the dead end street is a giant photo and a small rose marble plate in memory of the poet. A bronze bas-relief made by the singer Renaud adorns the house of Georges Brassens, as well as three terracotta cats, made by the potter Michel Mathieu in memory of the many felines Jeanne was very fond of, and which were an integral part of the street. While the little alley has not lost any of its warm and welcoming spirit, it is in a much better state today than it was at the time of Brassens: renovated and colourful, adorned with flowers, it is a very charming place for a stroll.
FRED HÔTEL near the former home of Georges Brassens, Paris 14th
How to get from FRED HÔTEL (Paris 14th) to the home of Georges Brassens
FRED HÔTEL (Paris 14th) is a 3-minute walk from the house of Georges Brassens. When you come out of FRED HÔTEL, walk down rue Villemain until you get to rue d’Alésia, then turn right. The entry to Impasse Florimont is at number 154 of rue d'Alésia, behind the Total service station. The home of Georges Brassens is number 7 Impasse Florimont.
Continue your tour after visiting the home of Georges Brassens
After your visit, stop by at the Villa Alésia, a pretty alley with Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences, just a 10-minute walk from the home of Georges Brassens.
