Passage Florimont

Tucked away in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, Passage Florimont is more than just a narrow alley. It’s a portal to a different era, a time when a struggling artist named Georges Brassens found refuge and inspiration. Passage Florimont isn’t grand or imposing. It’s a small, unassuming passage, less than fifty meters long and a mere two meters wide. Yet, this small space played a significant role in the life of one of France’s most beloved singer-songwriters. Brassens lived at number 9 Passage Florimont from 1944 to 1966. He arrived there a deserter from forced labor in Germany during World War II. He found shelter with Marcel and Jeanne Planche in their modest home. This little alley, tucked away behind a gas station on Rue d’Alésia, became his sanctuary. Imagine Brassens in those early years, penning his first songs within the cramped walls of number 9, a house without electricity or running water. The passage itself was a far cry from its current state, described back then as a sordid, dangerous alley. Yet, amidst this poverty and obscurity, Brassens’s genius began to flourish. He wrote classics like “Le Gorille,” “Le Fossoyeur,” and “Margot” while living in Passage Florimont. As his fame grew, so did his attachment to the passage. In 1955, he purchased both number 9 and the adjoining house at number 7. He renovated the property, improving its comfort while remaining true to its humble character. He continued to live there, even after achieving widespread recognition, a testament to his loyalty to the Planches and his love for the passage. Today, Passage Florimont bears the marks of its famous resident. A plaque at the entrance commemorates Brassens’s time there. A bronze bas-relief, created by the singer Renaud, adorns the wall of number 9. Three terracotta cats, a tribute to Jeanne Planche’s love of felines, perch on the roof and chimney. Passage Florimont remains a protected site, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. It’s a place where visitors can step back in time and imagine the life of a young Georges Brassens, finding his voice amidst the quiet charm of this hidden Parisian passage.