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TerrywHamilton
This place is a blast from the past with a very modern look. Built in 1931, is one of the most easily recognizable and renowned examples of the International style. It is still in very good condition. We drove past the place two times because the sign is so small and you can't see it from the street. Our navigations system told us we were there but we couldn't see it.
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mike817
Excellent trip, especially for architecture buffs. I'd echo the positives in the other posts and recommend googling for the many excellent write-ups on the architectural significance of the house (some suggestions below). I visited on a soggy grey day in January. Not the best weather or season to appreciate the house but still worth it. The staff was dedicated and friendly, and the hourlong English-language tour, which starts at 11AM, was great. Afterwards you can walk around as much as you like, and you have almost complete access to the house--45 minutes was enough to take a few unhurried walks through the house and around the grounds. There were about 10 people on the tour, and about 20 people total onsite while I was there. So a little crowded--this was still the holidays--but not terrible.To get there, you can take the RER A train from Paris' Gare Lyon Station to Poissy Station. Tickets are about 5 Euros each way. Note that the RER A train from Paris splits mid-way to three different endpoints, so be sure you're on the one headed to Poissy (it's the last stop on the route). It's about a 35-minute trip. Once you're at Poissy, go left after you exit the turnstiles to reach the bus stop and look for the #50 bus to the Villa Savoye stop. You can pay the 2 euro bus fare in cash on the bus; I think maybe credit card too, but I'm not sure. The ride is about 8 minutes and the stop is Villa Savoye. Very easy to find.Alternatively, the walking route is pretty straightforward and takes about 20-25 mins. You can find the route on Google maps. You'll want to turn right out of the train station to begin. It's uphill to Villa Savoye, so easier to walk back.It's definitely worth reading up on the house and its history prior to the visit. Funny as it may sound, I thought the best short introductory essay was in the instruction booklet for the Lego version of the house. PDF is here: http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6039461.pdfAnd here's a short essay from Architecture Daily: http://www.archdaily.com/84524/ad-classics-villa-savoye-le-corbusier/It's also very helpful to read up about the problems the house had shortly after construction: http://misfitsarchitecture.com/2011/09/03/the-darker-side-of-villa-savoye/One thing that has been mentioned in a couple posts but really stood out--the house is in desperate need of renovation. Cracked windows, peeling paint, mildew everywhere, stained surfaces... it's in rough shape (this is perhaps in keeping with the house's history of being very difficult to maintain!). The rooms are mostly empty and unfurnished, except for the main reception room, which has a couple of threadbare pieces. The house would benefit from more furniture. As you walk through, it's not hard to picture it in its short-lived glory, but it does take some imagination. Many of the write-ups also mentioned nature and forest. While the house still sits on a sizeable piece of land and there's lots of greenery, it's definitely not surrounded by forest anymore. The location is a suburb, and a large high school looms just outside the property and is visible from the windows. This doesn't detract from the visit much, just something that stood out. Finally, much of the first level is taken up by administrative offices and the gift shop, which takes away from the experience somewhat.But with those out of the way I'll reiterate it's a fascinating place and was well worth the trip.
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ilige
Villa Savoye is situated in Poissy, just outside of Paris. We had to take the RER-A direction Poissy and then continue by bus no.50.Firstly, the trip from Paris to the villa was an exploration itself: we got the chance to see a different side of France, a different scenery from Paris, and a closer contact with the locals.The villa is in a large private site, with a lot of trees, which reinforces the concept of integrating the building with its surrounding.This villa is a must see to every Architect, because it represents the 5 points of the Modern architecture, created by Le Corbusier. And the promenade inside the place is really worth the visit.We used the Paris Museum Pass to enter, but make sure you don't plan the visit on Mondays because it is closed.
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gramer999
Villa Savoye is situated in large, private grounds, not far from the centre of Poissy. Though the design ideas have since been "copied" a million times, what makes Villa Savoye interesting is that it was breaking new ground in design terms, being onstructed very early on in the modern movement. Also, of course, it was designed by "the master" himself, Le Corbusier.Allow an hour to visit, and take your time going round. It's not a large house, but there are lots of really interesting design features that are worth the effort.
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316jeannem
An unusual house who show to the visitor the style of Le Corbusier and at the same time the style of a period. Nice discovery
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Soho189
We visited Villa Savoye and happened to notice that there is an English tour every Wed and Fri. We asked the ticket guy who said he would be leading it at 11am. We toured the villa for half an hour and returned to the front desk to find that my husband and I were the only ones. The guide, Thomas, was just fantastic as he was excellent in giving us the history of the villa, the historic aspects of the modern movement in the early 1900's, the owners of the villa, the design philosophy and of course the MAN, Le Corbusier. My husband has some architectural education so he was more knowledgeable while I have none. But we both felt that the tour opened my eyes to so many details of the design such as "the hole in the wall", the tiled lounge chair in the bathroom and the sink in the middle of the entrance hall. We just gained so much from this tour and would strongly encourage anyone who plans to visit the villa to include the tour in their scheduling. By the way Thomas leads both English and French tours.
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861JanC
Villa Savoye is a short bus ride or an uphill walk from Poissy station. While it is of special interest to lovers of architecture, most people would enjoy visiting this famous house. The large grounds make it an oasis from the busy streets outside. Nice place to enjoy a picnic lunch. The small shop has a selection of books on art and architecture, including art and craft books for children.Definitely worth a visit.
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lonewolf44
It is worth making the trip out to Poissy from Paris even if you're not particularly knowledgable about architecture as this is a visually striking example of the modernist style in a calm environment. Poissy can be reached by RER (line A from Charles De Gaulle Etoile, Chatelet, Gare de Lyon or Nation in Paris). Trains run every 30 minutes during the day and journey time is about 30 minutes. On arrival you can either take bus 50 (direction: Coudraie) to 'Villa Savoie' or it's possible to walk as the house is clearly signposted from the town centre. That takes 20 minutes. The Villa Savoie is classic Le Corbusier. It's set in a tranquil, spacious garden surrounded by leafy trees and the house itself is airy, light and strikingly modernist in its simple design both inside and outside. Admission is 7.5 euros and photography is permitted. Even if you're not a fan of Le Corbusier you can appreciate the innovation on display, the stunning views from the roof terrace and the beauty in the simplicity of the villa's design. The gardener's house at the gate of the villa(also designed by Le Corbusier) is currently being renovated and should also be open to visitors in the future.
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Drawingroomculture
Even for non-architects, this place is a good way to understand modernist thinking in designing houses. Bus and train schedules can post some problems as you may end up waiting for a long time, so check the schedules before going there and at what time you can leave to catch your bus back at the train station.
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R7979LGdaves
Went with my sister and brother in law who are architects and wanted to see the space. It was interesting even for the non architect, but someone who just likes modern architecture. I thought the house and permanent exhibit were good and worth the trip out.What was extremely annoying and detracted from the trip was the temporary exhibit "The Light Hours". It consisted of solar panels running speakers and annoying mechanical beeping noises. These were repetitive and grating and made you want to get out of the space instead of linger. The exhibit is done the end of June 2014 so anyone after should be in for a better tour.
