
But what is this strange building? Called “Les Arènes de Picasso”, this imposing building, nestled in Noisy-le-Grand, was erected in the 1980s. At the time, a major urban development plan was launched to revitalize the new towns around Paris. Designed by Spanish architect Manuel Nuñez Yanowsky , the building (also known as the Camemberts de Noisy) continues to amaze to this day.
Les Arènes de Picasso: a very strange but functional building!
But what’s the purpose of this huge, strangely-shaped building complex? Well, it’s made up of social housing and private apartments. In all, there are 540 apartments. There’s also a crèche, a school and stores, a children’s playground… In short, every comfort to make you happy!

A tribute to Picasso and gladiators
Its highly singular shapes are a tribute to Pablo Picasso, who loved to use geometric forms in his work. In fact, the cylindrical shapes were not chosen at random, since the architect wanted to represent an overturned chariot, as in the days of the gladiators… It’s also for this reason that the entire building faces an immense courtyard, reminiscent of an amphitheatre arena… What a program!

Whether you like Picasso’s Arenas or not, one thing’s for sure: they leave no one indifferent. Professional and amateur photographers alike love to immortalize them from every angle. What’s more, the building complex has already featured in clips and films, such as Vermines by Sébastien Vaniček.
What do you think?
📍Location: 6 Pl. Pablo Picasso, 93160 Noisy-le-Grand