A humble plaque commemorates a place of extraordinary beginnings. This is La Maison pour Tous. It stands as a testament to community, culture, and the enduring spirit of Parisian life.
La Maison pour Tous began as a seed of an idea. Catherine Descroix abandoned her studies in 1906. She decided to dedicate herself to the Rive Gauche district. She created the association Chez Nous. It was affiliated with Le Sillon. The founders were Marc Sangnier and the Levasseur sisters. They were also known as Mère Louve and Tante Guitte. They set up a shop on Rue de l’Épée de Bois. They ran a service for relocating workers. André Lefèvre, Vieux Castor, helped them. He rented a shack on Rue Gracieuse. He created a study circle.
In 1919, André Lefèvre found a larger space at 76 Rue Mouffetard. It had been used by unions and a Université Populaire. Figures like Charles Péguy, Lucien Herr and Léon Bloy held conferences there. Even Jean Jaurès, Trotsky and Lenin spoke here. The singer Montéhus often opened events. The goal was simple. It was the need to be useful and to work together. They believed that local action created strong bonds.
A cinema for children opened. André Lefèvre also became interested in scouting. Activities were open to everyone. Catherine Descroix wanted to keep the original spirit alive. So, in 1922, La Maison pour Tous was officially founded. It began as a Maison des gosses. It welcomed local children. It offered them various activities. Scouting was a natural fit. Marguerite Walther and Renée Sainte-Claire Deville developed the girl’s branch. Vieux Castor and Mère Louve were already involved.
To meet growing needs, vacation options were created. There was a summer camp in Montmartin sur Mer. There was a vacation center for older children in Les Chalmieux. A sports camp for teens and adults was located in Sète.
La Maison pour Tous gained public recognition on July 2, 1930. It was more than just a youth center. It became a hub for culture. Conferences, cinema, and a library thrived here. Outings called caravanes were organized. There was a choral group, a restaurant and an antialcohol bar. They also managed a solidarity fund for struggling families.
During World War II, La Mouffe remained active. This was despite Gestapo summonses for banned activities. These activities included supporting the Eclaireurs de France. Mademoiselle Cahen, who provided food for the children, died in deportation.
After the war, La Mouffe grew even more. Many actors, filmmakers and musicians took their first steps here. Intellectuals like Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir discussed philosophy. They also discussed politics, literature and women’s rights.
Marguerite Duras said in 1983 that losing Mouffetard would be serious. It was an institution with open doors. Ariane Mnouchkine created her first show at La Mouffe. She said it wasn’t a real theater. But she wasn’t sure what a real theater was. She realized she preferred small, wild places where one felt free.
La Maison pour Tous became a place for reflection. It was a place for research and experimentation. It voluntarily united Catholics and Protestants. It also united Jews and secularists. This led to a break with militant Catholicism. This break announced the spirit of open secularism. This later became the educational approach of Maisons des Jeunes et de la Culture. It welcomed all regardless of background. It refused allegiance to any party or belief. It confronted all opinions respectfully. It adhered to democratic debate.
After the Liberation, Georges Bilbille greatly expanded La Mouffe’s cultural impact. He maintained its focus on youth and popular education. La Maison pour Tous continues to symbolize community. It stands for accessible culture and enduring Parisian values.