Foyer Jean-Bosco

Foyer Jean-Bosco is a residential institution in Paris, France, originally established in 1896 as a home for the elderly by the Petites Sœurs des Pauvres (Little Sisters of the Poor). The land at 23 rue de Varize was purchased in January 1886 by Demetri Schilizzi, a Greek Orthodox banker living in Paris, who entrusted it to the Little Sisters to accommodate 300 elderly people. The buildings were designed by architect Émile Vaudremer, known for several Parisian landmarks including the Notre-Dame d'Auteuil church and the Santé prison. After a complete restoration, the Foyer Jean-Bosco reopened with 180 beds, reception rooms, and a renewed mission. Today it operates as a mixed-purpose residence: it provides accommodation for students (both male and female) after the baccalauréat, as well as continuing its original vocation of care for the elderly. The Foyer also maintains an intergenerational space and a unit for young patients. Its facilities include individual rooms with full sanitary amenities, a library, dining rooms, a billiard room, reading and reception rooms, and a chapel dedicated to youth that is accessible at all hours. The institution emphasizes community life, solidarity, and spiritual support, offering regular conferences, charitable engagement opportunities, and moments of prayer and reflection. It remains under the sponsorship of the Petites Sœurs des Pauvres, preserving the charitable and fraternal spirit of its founders.

The origins of Foyer Jean-Bosco date to January 1886, when Demetri Schilizzi, a Greek Orthodox banker established in Paris, purchased a plot of land at 23 rue de Varize. He entrusted this land to the Petites Sœurs des Pauvres (Little Sisters of the Poor) with the intention of creating a home for 300 elderly people. The construction of the buildings was assigned to the architect Émile Vaudremer, a prominent figure in Parisian architecture who also designed the Notre-Dame d'Auteuil church, Saint-Pierre de Montrouge, the Santé prison, and the Lycées Molière and Buffon. The institution was officially created in 1896 as the Maison des Petites Sœurs des Pauvres. For many decades it served as a retirement home, continuing the charitable mission of the Little Sisters. In the late 20th or early 21st century, the building underwent a complete restoration. Following this renovation, it reopened under the name Foyer Jean-Bosco with a capacity of 180 beds, along with reception and meeting rooms. The mission was expanded to include student housing for young men and women after the baccalauréat, while maintaining its commitment to the elderly. The Foyer now operates as an intergenerational community, with dedicated spaces for the elderly and for young patients, alongside student residences. It remains under the sponsorship of the Petites Sœurs des Pauvres, and its daily life is marked by a spirit of sharing, solidarity, and fraternity. Spiritual life is also central: a chapel dedicated to youth is open at all hours, and small oratories allow for silent retreat. The Foyer organizes regular conferences, charitable engagements, and moments of prayer and reflection, continuing the vocation of its founders.

• 1896

  The Maison des Petites Sœurs des Pauvres is officially created.

• 1886

  Demetri Schilizzi purchases land at 23 rue de Varize and entrusts it to the Petites Sœurs des Pauvres.

• The building undergoes a complete restoration and reopens as Foyer Jean-Bosco with 180 beds.

• The Foyer expands its mission to include student housing for young men and women after the baccalauréat.

A historic, charitable, and intergenerational residence in Paris offering student accommodation and elderly care in a supportive, spiritual environment.

• Student rooms

  Individual comfortable rooms with full sanitary facilities for students after the baccalauréat.

• Retirement home services

  Accommodation and care for the elderly, continuing the original mission.

• Intergenerational space

  A shared area fostering encounters between elderly residents and students.

• Chapel and oratories

  A chapel dedicated to youth, accessible at all hours, and small oratories for silent retreat.

1. 1Foyer Jean Bosco - Mater Amorisfoyerjeanbosco.com
2. 2Foyer Jean-Bosco - Wikidatawikidata.org