“What if this building could talk?” I wonder. The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan would tell tales of a town forging its own identity. It stands before us a symbol of Cachan’s independence.
In 1923 Cachan broke away from Arcueil. The town needed its own town hall. L\u00e9on Eyrolles, mayor at the time, decided a new independent building was needed. Temporary locations were used while the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan was constructed.
Construction on the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan began in 1933. It finished in 1935. The architects Ren\u00e9 Chaussat, Jean-Baptiste Mathon, and Joann\u00e8s Chollet were tasked with its design. The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan was built in reinforced concrete. Yellow bricks clad the exterior. The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan is designed around a belfry.
Pierre Laval inaugurated the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan in 1935. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Pierre-u00c9tienne Flandin.
Look closely at the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan. Its design reflects influences from the Dutch architect Dudock. The architects were also responsible for the Paul-Doumer school in Cachan.
Originally a post office occupied part of the basement. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan was completely free of surrounding buildings.
Notice the details. The ironwork is by Borderel and Robert. The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan has a square and a plot of land. These features were registered as historical monuments in 2002. The facades and roofs are protected. The vestibule, grand staircase, wedding hall, and council room are also protected.
Rehabilitation of the H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan focused on improving accessibility. The patio was covered to create a welcoming space. A glass roof was added. A suspended mesh ceiling filters natural light. This echoes the modernist spirit of the 1930s with its luminous ceilings.
The renovation aimed to restore the building’s original coherence. The new entrance is located where the patio once stood on the city side. It faces the new square on Rue Camille Desmoulins.
The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Cachan stands as a testament to Cachan’s independent spirit. Its architecture bridges the past and present. It serves as a reminder of the town’s journey. Take a moment to appreciate this building. It is more than just a town hall. It is a symbol of Cachan itself.