Rue du Commandant Pilot

Gazing down Rue du Commandant Pilot, has anyone lost a glass slipper? Just kidding. But this street does hold a touch of magic. Rue du Commandant Pilot isn’t directly mentioned in my historical archives. However, I can tell you about something magnificent nearby. The Entrepôts du Printemps, a stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco masterpiece. This architectural gem is a former warehouse for the Printemps department store. It began its life in the early 1900s. Designed by architects Papinot and Simonet, with a concrete structure by François Hennebique, and exterior decoration by Alexandre Bigot. It’s a beautiful blend of glass, metal, and brick. The name “Printemps” is even spelled out in ceramic on the curved front. The left side of the building showcases a single arch and three metallic levels. An addition in 1923 by architects Demoisson and Wybo brought a touch of Art Deco to the scene. The original glass dome of the Printemps Haussmann store was actually stored here during World War II to protect it from bombing. The dome, crafted by master glassmaker Brière, contained 3,185 glass panels. It was forgotten until 1973. Then, Brière’s grandson restored it. It now sits atop the Printemps Haussmann. This impressive structure, once a hub of industry, has housed everything from stored goods and workshops to offices. It is a testament to the ever-changing cityscape. So, while Rue du Commandant Pilot itself might be a quiet player, its proximity to this grand dame of architecture, the Entrepôts du Printemps makes it a worthy stop on our tour.