Palais de la Femme, Historical monument and shelter in 11th arrondissement, France
Palais de la Femme is a multi-story building in the 11th arrondissement featuring early 20th-century Art Nouveau design in its facade and structural elements. Its interior spaces are organized to provide both residential areas and communal rooms for the women it serves.
Architect Auguste Labussière designed this building in the early 20th century as a shelter for women facing hardship. The structure later received official protection as a registered historic monument due to its architectural and social importance.
The building has long served as a refuge for women facing hardship, offering them shelter and communal spaces to gather. It organizes indoor markets and events that help generate income for its support services while bringing the neighborhood together.
The building is well-connected by multiple metro stations in the 11th arrondissement, making it easy to reach from other parts of Paris. Keep in mind that this is an active facility serving vulnerable women, so access may be restricted to visitors.
This building unusually combines two roles: it serves as both a protected historic monument with artistic value and an active home for women facing hardship. This dual function makes it a rare example of how a heritage building continues to serve a direct social purpose today.
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