Le Reseda Paris
Apr 14, 2025

Le Reseda Paris

Jean Dubuffet’s secret Paris sculpture

""Le Reseda" is a little-known sculpture by Brut 'outsider' artist Dubuffet. I spotted it by chance; a white, striking mass, six meters in height..."

Paris is known for its classical architecture. But this foundation of beauty doesn't prevent the city from evolving as a showcase of modernity. This comes in many forms. One such form is a little-known sculpture by Brut 'outsider' artist Dubuffet. Once you've spotted it, Paris clearly becomes a city recognised for its balance modern of forms alongside classical features.

Le Reseda sculpture by Dubuffet is relatively unknown because of where it's situated. It sits almost hidden from view in Paris' Caisse de Depot, awkwardly plonked in their courtyard, as if landed from outer-space. I spotted the sculpture by chance when I had been cycling by the river Seine along Quai Voltaire, checking for oncoming traffic. So I stopped and walked my bike over to the open gates of Caisse de Depot. And seeing no guard patrol I strolled into the courtyard.

The sculpture is an imposing white mass at a striking 6-metres in height. That's 4 people standing balancing on one another's shoulders. Monumental in fact. A monumental hunk of white debris and accented with thick-lines in red and blue. These primary colours send jolts out into the classical architecture it invades. Jolting you between the idea of different epochs (19th and 20th centuries).

To discover Le Reseda stroll along Quai Voltaire from Pont des Arts (Lovelock bridge) in the direction of Musée d'Orsay. Keeping your sight-line turned slightly left. Note: access to this courtyard is currently limited. But I'll keep you informed of changes for when public access is regranted.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Courtyard entrance, Caisse des depot et consignments, (via Quai Anatole France)

no-price

Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Paris guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Paris

Rue du Montparnasse Paris

Rue du Montparnasse

Crêpes galore!

"Rue du Montparnasse" in Paris is THE place to be to try authentic French savory crêpes, aka galettes, just like they make them in Brittany.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alix

Mengin

Jun 8, 2025
Jardin Catherine-Labouré Paris

Jardin Catherine-Labouré

Orchard turned garden

"Jardin Catherine-Labouré" in Paris was an orchard that belonged to the Filles de la Charité convent; today, it's the perfect place to take your kids!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alix

Mengin

Jun 6, 2025
Les Copains du Faubourg Paris

Les Copains du Faubourg

Egg & bacon roll bliss

"Les Copains du Faubourg" with its English bulldog mascot makes a perfect egg & bacon roll that never fails to draw me in...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Paul

Wright

May 22, 2025
Maison POS Paris

Maison POS

A pleasure pantry

"Maison POS" in Paris is a fruit & veg seller is focused on organic fresh produce. It's a pleasure pantry where you can discover local tastes!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Paul

Wright

May 22, 2025
Chez Antoine Paris

Chez Antoine

An on-the-go eating experience

"Chez Antoine" in Paris is great any time of day! It's the kind of place they always remember my order - a Pizza Sicilienne usually...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Paul

Wright

May 22, 2025
La Kabane Paris

La Kabane

Doggies and cookies

"La Kabane" in Paris is a go-to place of mine for citron, coconut, triple chocolate and granola cookies! I love their dog...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Paul

Wright

May 22, 2025
Refuge BD Paris

Refuge BD

Click & collect

"Refuge BD" in Paris is a local comic book or BD shop where I've been doing 'click & collect' during the lockdown...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Paul

Wright

May 22, 2025
Espace Niemeyer Paris

Espace Niemeyer

Headquarters of the PCF

"Espace Niemeyer" in Paris is home to the French Communist Party, but also a space dedicated to artistic expression and creative architecture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Alix

Mengin

May 10, 2025
Clos Montmartre Paris

Clos Montmartre

A hidden vineyard in Paris

"Clos Montmartre" is one of five remaining vineyards in central Paris! Their presence dates back to the 10th century...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Alix

Mengin

May 8, 2025
Cimetière du Montparnasse Paris

Cimetière du Montparnasse

A green cemetery

"Cimetière du Montparnasse" is not only a cemetery but also one of Paris' biggest green spaces. Many world-famous people are buried here, too...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alix

Mengin

May 8, 2025
Beaupassage Paris

Beaupassage

An open-air food court

The "Beaupassage" in Paris is just as much a space dedicated to food as it is to nature and art. It's a 10,000 m² courtyard completed in 2018...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alix

Mengin

May 6, 2025
Le Réservoir de Montsouris Paris

Le Réservoir de Montsouris

Water in Paris

"Le Réservoir de Montsouris" is the biggest water reservoir in Paris. It's a truly impressive structure that's more than 150 years old...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Alix

Mengin

May 6, 2025

Heading to Paris?

168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Paris?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

168 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Paris

Get to know our other Spotters from Paris

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
30
Filters