House of the Moon

Right next to the market halls, you’ve probably noticed a rather unusual building standing on the square. This is the House of the Moon, and it comes with quite a story. Built in 1900 at the request of a local notary, it was meant as a grand romantic gesture—he had it constructed as a gift for Léonie Pasquier to prove his love. Quite the present, right? Except that, in the end, Léonie chose to marry someone else a few years later… so much for the grand gesture! Still, the house remains a remarkable piece of architecture. It blends neo-Gothic elements—like the dormer windows and balcony—with the more whimsical touches of Art Nouveau, a style that had just arrived in France at the time. You’ll spot the characteristic curved lines, floral motifs, and striking red and yellow stonework, all key features of this exuberant artistic movement. The building was designed by Henry Clouet, a local architect from Épernay. Over 120 years later, the House of the Moon still stands proudly on Place René Cassin and now serves as a medical practice.