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Yoann Vallier
Published on
Nov. 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
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It’s a significant investment, but one that the municipal majority of Nemours (Seine-et-Marne) does not regret. The building, which was in an advanced state of disrepair, located in the courtyard of the castle-museum, just opposite the tourist office, will become a creperie. Impossible to miss the start of this construction site, just opposite the entrance to the castle. Strategic proximity reinforces the importance of the renovation project. The municipality therefore chose to breathe new life into this building which, through its central and symbolic location, represented real potential for the revitalization of the sector.
Supported and financed by the town hall, this file aims to further strengthen the attractiveness of this district of the hypercenter, which is already experiencing notable growth, between the Terrasse du Moulin and the many new businesses opened recently. “ It's an interesting operation », Says Mayor Valérie Lacroute, convinced of the merits of this approach. “We are taking the opportunity to restore the symmetry of the two buildings on the front,” she adds.
This is the price of a Haussmann building
Financially, the project underwent a significant adjustment: the initial cost of 1.5 million euros was halved to 800,000 euros, notably thanks to the decision to forego a covered terrace. Despite this budget cut, the project remains ambitious and benefits from several subsidies, while guaranteeing revenue for the city thanks to the rent that will be collected.
The castle pays tribute to Achille Varin
The Château-Musée de Nemours is hosting, until March 2, 2025, an exhibition dedicated to Achille Varin, a discreet but influential artist, whose work is rediscovered thanks to an exceptional donation. Born in 1863 and died in 1942 in Nemours, Varin was a “Little Master of Painting”, trained at the Académie Julian and close to local artists like Ernest Marché. He excels in religious scenes, landscapes, and the charcoal technique, where he immortalizes family portraits and landscapes inspired by his travels. Installed in Nemours in 1914, he became vice-president of the Society of Friends of the Vieux Château in 1932. This retrospective pays tribute to his work and underlines his attachment to the town of Nemours. The exhibition is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with a full price of €5 and reduced to €3.
This future creperie will offer 50 seats and a spacious terrace, offering a breathtaking view of the castle, which promises to be a significant tourist asset for the area. “ We are in the heart of the Action Cœur de Ville operation, whose objective is to revitalize local businesses,” underlines the mayor.
Promote heritage
However, the enthusiasm is not shared by everyone. Opposition councilor Volkan Algul expresses reservations, believing that “it’s too expensive, it’s the price of a Haussmann building”. Guillaume Cazauran, also an opposition advisor, adds his skepticism by asking: “Would a private operator have put in 800,000 euros? I don’t think so.” Faced with these criticisms, the mayor reminded the municipal council that “ private investors would not have come, and we would not have had a restaurant”. The heritage deputy, Philippe Roux, also defends this project, seeing it as a great opportunity to “enhance our heritage”. According to him, the renovation will transform what was once an “unsightly building” into a real added value for the city. “ We don't think like developers or house sellers,” he adds, specifying the ambition of this operation beyond simple financial considerations.
Despite opposition protests, the creperie should open its doors to its first customers in mid-2025.
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