A suburban residential complex in Paris, unlike any other in France

In Noisy-le-Sec, on the eastern outskirts of Paris, there is a residential complex unique to France.

Split into two blocks located on opposite sides of the main road Avenue du Général Leclerc, this complex consists of 56 individual houses, each unique and inspired by the architecture of seven different countries.

The complex, called Merlan, was created after World War II by international architects to provide affordable housing for families deprived of homes due to bombing.

However, for a long time the complex remained little known to both historians and residents living nearby. It was known as cite experimentale and was developed between 1946 and 1951.

Each of these houses was built using new techniques and materials different from the traditional French houses of the time.

Merlan is now a popular destination and has even been included in the list of monuments in France.