We all know Dalida, her legendary songs, and her dazzling stage outfits. But do you know the house where she loved to retreat, far from the spotlight? Tucked away on a small street in Montmartre lies a magnificent townhouse nestled on the heights of the neighborhood. It was here, behind the walls of 11 bis rue d’Orchampt, that the singer lived for 25 years. And inside, every room told a little of her story.
A little corner of paradise on the heights of Montmartre
In 1962, Dalida was looking for a place to settle down after several years of success and touring. And it was in the hills of Montmartre that she found her happiness! Turning down a small cobblestone street, she discovered an elegant early 1900s-style house, hidden behind high walls. Inside, there were four floors, a garden, and, best of all, a breathtaking view of the Paris rooftops. From her balcony, the singer could admire the capital. Her brother Orlando even recalled that she sometimes felt as though she ruled the world.
But the true charm of the address also lies outside. Just a few steps from the Moulin de la Galette and Rue Lepic, Rue d’Orchampt offers a peaceful retreat, far from the bustling Parisian avenues. Back then, tourists rarely ventured there. Dalida found a village-like atmosphere with its narrow streets, small shops, and regulars. In a 1975 television interview, she compared Montmartre to the countryside right in the heart of Paris.
Her attachment to the neighborhood went far beyond its tranquility. The shopkeepers on Rue Lepic, the children playing outside, and the bustling streets reminded her of Choubra, the Cairo neighborhood where she spent her childhood. She had her regular haunts and her friends. Among her favorite spots was the Moulin de la Galette, where she liked to sit at the same table, near the window.
This property was highly sought after. Before Dalida, the writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline had lived there from 1929 to 1944. And when the house went on the market, there were other interested buyers, including Jean-Paul Belmondo. In the end, it was the singer who won the bid. It was love at first sight that would last her entire life. Despite her success and her many travels, she would never leave her Montmartre refuge.
A Glimpse into Dalida’s Private World: A Home Filled with Memories
Behind the walls of this home lay a world far removed from the glitz of the stage. Dalida turned her home into a warm and welcoming space, filled with personal items and souvenirs brought back from her travels.
In her living room, books took center stage. There was a multitude of objects she’d collected over the years, including a massive Buddha bust brought back from the Himalayas. Every detail reflected her personality, her tastes, her travels, and her life.
The decor was constantly changing. As her relationships evolved, the singer enjoyed rearranging the rooms. When she was living with Richard Chanfray, she had a painting studio set up in the basement. The paintings were then displayed in a part of the house that Dalida had named “La Galerie.”
The mansion was also a place where she loved to entertain. The photographs show Dalida in her living room, gathered around a table, or on her private terrace surrounded by her loved ones. We get to see a completely different side of Dalida: the one who shared simple moments, far from the spotlight and the big stages.
After her death in 1987, the house was divided into several private apartments. So while you can’t tour it, its facade is still visible from the street.
So during your next stroll through Montmartre, take a walk down Rue d’Orchampt, admire this magnificent facade, and imagine the daily life of one of the greatest voices in French music.
Location: 11 bis rue d’Orchampt, 75018