While Nancy and Brussels boast even more Art Nouveau achievements, the French capital is by no means left out. In Paris, the craze really takes off thanks to the success of the Castel Béranger, and then at the 1900 Universal Exhibition, with the rise of Alfons Mucha and his posters.
Art Nouveau is characterized by decorations inspired by nature—trees, flowers, insects or animals—along with arabesques. The artistic movement, which reached its height around 1905, later evolves into Art Deco with a more geometric style. In Paris, many sites and buildings from the Art Nouveau era remain to be explored year-round, and especially on June 10, for World Art Nouveau Day.
After 16 years shuttered, the iconic Paris department store reopened its doors in 2021 following a spectacular renovation. Its aesthetic blends Art Deco with Art Nouveau, highlighted by a striking exterior designed by decorator Francis Jourdain, painter Eugène Grasset (the master behind the store’s signage), blacksmith Édouard Schenck, and ceramist Alexandre Bigot.
Samaritaine Paris: the historic store's shopping and dining areas and events
La Samaritaine reopened its doors in 2021 after 16 years of renovation. Discover its shopping, beauty and restaurant areas. You'll love strolling around, enjoying the tea rooms and discovering the majestic staircase and window displays. [Read more]
Art Nouveau was at its peak when the Paris Metro opened its doors 116 years ago. It was a Lyon-born architect, Hector Guimard, who also designed the Castel Béranger, who would go on to create some of the metro's entrances. Since then, many of them have sadly disappeared, but 86 of the 141 survive, and you can notably admire them at the stations Porte Dauphine, Saint-Michel, Cité, Abbesses, Ternes, or Pigalle.
There are two kinds, with or without a roof, but for the one with a fan-shaped canopy, only the Porte Dauphine entrance remains, bearing a "dragonfly design". For the entrances without roofs, the word Métropolitain stands between two ornate lampposts that double as the stem of a plant. The orange lamps at their tops are surrounded by leaves. These portals were designated historic monuments in 1978, safeguarding them from further destruction.
Did you know? This is the last of Hector Guimard's original Type B metro station aediculae.
Did you know? Hector Guimard's last surviving type B kiosk, nicknamed La Libellule, is located at Porte Dauphine station in Paris. This exceptional Parisian metro entrance is one of the last original vestiges, and we tell you all about it. [Read more]
In 1898, Hector Guimard built the Castel Béranger, a building in the 16th arrondissement. It is a stand‑alone work, regarded as foundational to the movement in France, and it would enjoy great success in the capital. Guimard would win, with this building, the prize for the most beautiful façade of the city of Paris, atoday classified as a historic monument. Although it is private property and not open to visitors, the exterior façade, its gate and its handsome balconies are well worth a look!
Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is one of the emblematic buildings of Art Nouveau in Paris
Did you know that? The Castel Béranger is an emblematic building of Art Nouveau in Paris. It was designed by the architect Hector Guimard, famous for his Art Nouveau creations, including the famous Parisian subway entrances. Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Castel Béranger is a true architectural gem, a testimony to the refined aesthetics of the period. [Read more]
This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is tucked away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in Yvelines. This first Guimard-style villa was built and decorated under the architect’s supervision, commissioned by Mr. Noguès, a retiree living on investment income. And if it’s nicknamed the Hublotière, it’s because of its striking porthole-shaped dormers!
Visit La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa, this summer 2026 in the Yvelines.
Do you know Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, hides in the heart of Le Vésinet in the Yvelines. Although it is inhabited year-round, it opens its doors to the public each summer, for just a few euros. [Read more]
Designed by architect Jules Lavirotte in 1904, this building epitomizes the aesthetic principles of its era.
Did you know that the Céramic Hôtel and its unusual façade are listed as Historic Monuments?
The Céramic Hôtel, which today is still a hotel named "Hôtel Elysées Crémac Paris", boasts one of the most original façades in Paris. We tell you the story of this Art Nouveau building designed by architect Jules Aimé Lavirotte, winner of the City of Paris facade competition in 1905. [Read more]
Brussels 1900 Exhibition at the Petit Palais: Belgian art in the spotlight in Paris
The Brussels 1900 exhibition at the Petit Palais invites us to step into the vibrant artistic scene of Belgium’s capital at the turn of the 20th century, through painting, architecture, jewellery and fashion. On view at the Petit Palais from 10 November 2026 to 25 April 2027. [Read more]
Paris: When will the Musée Guimard, dedicated to the celebrated Art Nouveau architect, open?
A new museum dedicated to Hector Guimard, the celebrated architect behind the entrances to the Paris Metro, is expected to open in 2028 in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. Housed in the Hôtel Mezzara, an Art Nouveau gem built in 1910, the future museum is gradually unveiling its plans, from heritage restoration and previously unseen collections to immersive experiences. [Read more]
The Véro-Dodat Gallery, a covered passageway that exudes 19th‑century Paris charm
Discover the Galerie Véro-Dodat in Paris, a 19th‑century gem and one of the city's finest covered passages, tucked between Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Rue du Bouloi. Here’s its story and what you’ll find there! [Read more]
The most beautiful and historic swimming pools in Paris, officially listed as Historical Monuments
What better way to plunge into a stunning pool listed as a Historic Monument? In Paris, we’re fortunate to have many, nestled among some of the most iconic sights in the city. [Read more]
Where can you admire this stunning Art Nouveau ceramic portico tucked away in a square in Paris?
It’s one of the most stunning facades in Paris, yet it’s not part of a building. Hidden away in a quiet square, a multicolored ceramic wall has withstood the test of time since 1900. Discover the captivating history of the Sèvres portico, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau that survived the ages. [Read more]
The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon
Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand. [Read more]
What secrets lie behind this Art Nouveau façade and its stunning cork-shaped roof?
At 140 Rue de Rennes in Paris stands a striking building, its corner turret unlike any other. Celebrating the heyday of department stores and the Art Nouveau movement, the former Félix Potin commercial building is a testament to innovation and bold design. [Read more]
In the footsteps of Hector Guimard in Paris & Île-de-France: the Art Nouveau legacy of the famous architect
Follow in the footsteps of Hector Guimard in Paris and the Île-de-France region: Art Nouveau subway entrances, emblematic villas, listed buildings... a unique architectural journey to the heart of 1900 heritage. [Read more]
Art deco, art nouveau: what's the difference between the two, and how can you tell them apart?
At the beginning of the 20th century, two major artistic movements stood out: Art Deco and Art Nouveau left their mark on the world of art and architecture, particularly in Paris. Here's how to recognize and distinguish these two movements. [Read more]
Did you know? This Belvédère kiosk in the Yvelines is a remnant of the Universal Exhibition.
How about discovering the Kiosque du Belvédère de Châtillon, nestling in the Rosny-sur-Seine forest in the Yvelines department? We tell you all about its history and how to find it. [Read more]
2024, Year of Hector Guimard: free lectures and events on Art Nouveau in Paris
This year, the city of Paris has decided to highlight the figure of Hector Guimard, a key figure in Art Nouveau in France and in the capital. From January 31, 2024, conferences and free events are planned to celebrate him. [Read more]
Did you know? Charles Klein's unusual building, Les Chardons, is a listed and award-winning building.
In the heart of Paris's 16th arrondissement, the Immeuble de Charles Klein stands out for its unique representation of thistles. Built in 1903, this Art Nouveau architectural jewel invites you on a voyage of discovery rich in history and aesthetics. [Read more]
Immeuble Lavirotte: Art Nouveau jewel on Avenue Rapp in Paris
The Immeuble Lavirotte is a masterpiece of Parisian Art Nouveau, located on Avenue Rapp in the 7th arrondissement. Erected between 1900 and 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, this award-winning building's dreamlike facade is particularly appealing if you're walking near the Eiffel Tower. [Read more]
Did you know? There are seven Guimard metro kiosks outside Paris. Find out where they are located.
The capital doesn't have a monopoly on Guimard metro kiosks, as seven of them have surprisingly found their way far from the capital, as part of artistic exchanges. Discover their locations around the world! [Read more]
Discovering the Paris of the Belle Époque: the capital's monuments and historic sites
The Paris of the Belle Epoque is a period that fascinates and inspires dreams, notably with the Art Nouveau movement, as spectacular as it was ephemeral. Would you like to discover the vestiges of this key period in the capital's history? We'll show you where you can find them. [Read more]
