Photo : Francis Picabia, Idylle, 1925, musée de Grenoble (détail)
Surrealist encounters in the 10th arrondissement
Lecture-walk hosted by Marie-Ange Daguillon from Histoire & Vies du 10e, Lara Bouvet and Cécile Lasserre from the company Chair et Tendre
Médiathèque Françoise Sagan (Paris 10th)
Part of the Saint-Lazare Prison Exhibition programme
This event has ended.
About
From January 29 to December 24, 1923, the anarchist Germaine Berton was imprisoned in the Saint-Lazare women's prison, then at 107 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, after the assassination of an Action Française leader to "avenge Jaurès." On October 4, 1926, on rue La Fayette, Léona Delcourt, alias Nadja, had a chance encounter with André Breton. This stranger would become the heroine of his eponymous novel. Germaine, Léona: both born in 1902, they inspired the surrealists in the 1920s—a group of young people sickened by the war and enamored with freedom, in search of a new language.
We invite you to meet Germaine Berton and Léona Delcourt, and to listen to the voices of two muses who were anything but silent, leaving behind writings and drawings. We will visit the Françoise-Sagan media library (formerly the Saint-Lazare prison), including its panoramic roof, following in the footsteps of Germaine Berton. Then, we will stroll through the neighborhood in search of Léona Delcourt, contrasting two tragic trajectories.
Lecture hosted by Marie-Ange Daguillon of Histoire et Vie du 10e with Lara Bouvet and Cécile Lasserre from the Chair et Tendre theater company.
Practical Information
Saturday, October 10, 2026 – 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Meet at the Françoise-Sagan media library auditorium, 8 rue Léon-Schwartzenberg
Reservation required
Histoire et Vie du 10e
The association "Histoire et Vies du 10e" aims to promote the history of the 10th arrondissement of Paris and the lives of its inhabitants, as well as to ensure the preservation of its heritage and memory. It also contributes to integrating the 10th into the Parisian landscape. It operates through exhibitions, lectures, guided tours, and other cultural activities both inside and outside the arrondissement.
Our take on this event
Trade the typical sightseeing tour for a deep dive into the lives of two women who shook up the Roaring Twenties. From the walls of a former prison to the vibrant streets of the 10th district, this literary walk brings the surrealist era back to life. Discover the untold stories of two rebellious icons whose voices continue to echo through the city.
Step into the 1920s to discover the lives of Germaine Berton and Léona Delcourt, also known as Nadja, two women who left an indelible mark on the surrealist movement. Scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, this event invites attendees aged 18 and over to explore their histories through a lecture and a walk starting at the Médiathèque Françoise-Sagan in the 10th arrondissement. This insightful session is entirely free of charge and fully accessible to wheelchair users. Please note that booking is mandatory to attend this exploration of local heritage and artistic history.
Join Marie-Ange Daguillon from the association Histoire et Vie du 10e, alongside Lara Bouvet and Cécile Lasserre from the Chair et Tendre company, for a deep dive into history on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 15:00 to 17:00. This event highlights the lives of Germaine Berton and Léona Delcourt, two influential figures from 1902 who inspired the surrealists with their writings and drawings.
The session begins at the auditorium of the Médiathèque Françoise-Sagan, located at the site of the former Saint-Lazare prison. Following a tour that includes the panoramic roof to retrace Germaine Berton’s path, the experience moves into the neighborhood to uncover the traces of Léona Delcourt.
This event is designed for adults aged 18 and up. Admission is free, but reservations are strictly required and can be made through Billetweb, by phone, or directly with the librarians on-site. The venue is wheelchair accessible to ensure all visitors can comfortably participate in this cultural journey.
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