To discover in this article:
To mark the release of Sylvain Chomet's animated film Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol on 15 October 2025, Paris je t'aime invites you to follow in Marcel Pagnol's footsteps in the capital from 1922 to 1974.
The director, best known for his famous film Les Triplettes de Belleville, pays tribute to the life and work of Marcel Pagnol with a biopic full of poetry, humour and nostalgia.
Marcel Pagnol, an accomplished writer and filmmaker, is asked by a women's magazine to write a series of articles about his childhood and his native Provence. The child he once was comes to life in the form of little Marcel and helps him rediscover the moments that marked his turbulent destiny, shaped by the torments of creation and writing, the upheavals of history and the evolution of cinema.
The French writer, playwright and filmmaker left his native Provence to settle in Paris in 1922, where he continued his studies and became an English teacher. He developed a passion for writing and frequented the literary and artistic circles of the capital. It was in Paris that he staged his first plays, which were highly successful in the 1920s, and it was also in Paris that he entered the world of cinema, where he would become a pioneer. Discover the residences, theatres and other Parisian locations that bear witness to his time and life in the capital.
Marcel Pagnol lived from 1933 to 1950 in thePlaine-Monceau neighbourhood, a stone's throw from Parc Monceau. He moved into 13 rue de Fortuny, a mansion built by architect Paul-Casimir Fouquiau, and set up his production company there. During this period, the author was president of Sacem (1944-1946) and was elected to the illustrious Académie Française.
13 rue Fortuny, Paris 17th. Monceau metro station
He then stayed on Rue Jean Goujon before moving in 1956 to 16 Square de l'Avenue Foch, a luxurious mansion in the 16th arrondissement. He remained there until his death in 1974. A commemorative plaque has been affixed to his place of residence.
16 Square de l'Avenue Foch, Paris 16th. Porte Dauphine metro station
Located in the heart of Paris's 12th arrondissement, Lyon Station is the arrival point for trains from south-eastern France. Built in 1855 and redesigned for the 1900 World's Fair, it was Marcel Pagnol's first stop in Paris.
Gare de Lyon - Place Louis Armand, Paris 12th. Gare de Lyon metro station
The prestigious Lycée Condorcet (Condorcet High School), founded in 1803, is one of the four oldest secondary schools in Paris. Partially listed as a historic monument, it occupies the former Capuchin convent of Saint-Louis d'Antin. Its famous alumni include Paul Verlaine, Serge Gainsbourg, Jean Cocteau, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Louis Renault, André Citroën, Marcel Dassault, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and many other writers, artists, scientists and philosophers. Marcel Pagnol did not study there, but he was appointed supervisor and then English teacher.
Lycée Condorcet - 8 rue du Havre, Paris 9th. Gare Saint-Lazare metro station
A meeting place for writers and artists since the 20th century, the National Estate of the Palais Royal attracted Stefan Zweig, Colette, Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais, among others. The garden took on a new identity with the installation of contemporary artworks, including the famous Buren columns, now one of the symbols of Paris. Marcel Pagnol loved to stroll here during his stays in Paris.
Domaine national du Palais Royal - Paris 1st. Palais Royal metro station
The Institut de France is home to the prestigious Académie Française. Founded in 1635, this institution, which is responsible for the rules of the French language, is composed of personalities from the French cultural world. On 4 April 1946, Marcel Pagnol was elected to the Académie at the age of 51. He was the first man from the world of cinema to sit under the dome.
Académie Française - 23 quai de Conti, Paris 7th. Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Pont-Neuf metro stations
The Théâtre des Variétés, located in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, close to the Passage des Panoramas, is one of the capital's oldest theatres. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1974 and, since its creation, has offered a wide range of live performances, from vaudeville to operetta, comedy and boulevard theatre. Marcel Pagnol made his mark there with a series of iconic play, imbued with the spirit of the south of France*, featuring colourful dialogue and characters. These included the comedy Topaze (1936) and a stage version of the film César (1946).
Théâtre des Variétés - 7 Boulevard Montmartre, Paris 2nd. Grand Boulevard underground station
The Théâtre de la Madeleine is one of the capital's major theatres, currently offering audiences a modern and contemporary repertoire. Created in 1924 by architect Charles Imandt on the site of a horse riding school, it was successfully launched in 1925 with the premiere of Marcel Pagnol's satirical comedy Les Marchands de Gloire.
Théâtre de la Madeleine - 19 rue de Surène, Paris 8th. Madeleine metro station
A stone's throw from the Trinity Church, the Théâtre de Paris, a historic Parisian theatre dating back to the late 18th century, has welcomed the greatest actors to its stage and presents all types of live performances: from classical plays to musicals and comic operas. Marcel Pagnol premiered his play Marius there in 1929, the first part of his famous Marseille trilogy Marius, Fanny and César, as well as Judas in 1955.
Théâtre de Paris - 15 rue Blanche, Paris 9th. Trinité-d'Estienne d'Orves metro station
The Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, located a stone's throw from the Passage Choiseul, is a Parisian institution. This Italian-style theatre, inaugurated in 1827, has always given pride of place to comedy and musical theatre. Marcel Pagnol presented the premiere of his play ‘Fabien’ there in 1956.
Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens - 4 rue Monsigny, Paris 2nd. Pyramides metro station
Close to Saint-Augustin Church, Marcel Pagnol Square, designed by engineer Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand in the 19th century, has been named since 1980 after the French author who lived in Paris's 16th arrondissement until the end of his life. Here you can admire remarkable trees such as the silver maple and the variegated sycamore, as well as a statue of the politician and poet Paul Déroulède, created by the sculptor Paul Landowski.
Square Marcel Pagnol - 12 rue de Laborde, Paris 8th. Saint Augustin metro station
