They are dazzling. Standing on the facades of several Parisian buildings, caryatids are unique statues that are always breathtaking to behold. To avoid searching all over Paris for them, here is where to find the most impressive caryatids in Paris (this list is not exhaustive. If you have spotted others, please let us know).
We refer to caryatids when a statue representing a woman acts as a column on a building. Similarly, we refer toAtlanteans for a statue of a man that supports a wall.
Société de Géographie, 184 Boulevard Saint-Germain - Paris 6th arrondissement
While waiting to discover the mysterious interior of the Paris Geographical Society, one of the oldest learned societies in France, let's admire its facade and caryatids. The two statues that welcome visitors represent the Earth and the Sea. These two elements encircle a globe, also sculpted by Emile Soldi in 1878.
80 avenue Daumesnil - Paris 12th arrondissement
By far my favoritecaryatids in Paris. Or should I say "Atlanteans," since the giganticstatuesoverlooking thecentral police station in the 12th arrondissementrepresent men. More specifically, they are imitations ofMichelangelo's sculpture "The Dying Slave."Once you've noticed them, it's impossible to walk through the neighborhood without admiring them from every angle.
53 Rue de Turbigo - Paris 3rd arrondissement
Probably the most monumental caryatid in Paris. The mysterious angel on Rue de Turbigo , the largest caryatid in Paris, is believed to be the work ofarchitect Auguste Emile Delange. It depicts a woman dressed in a long antique tunic holding a sprig of myrrh and a small purse. Had you noticed it before?
Corner of Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière and Rue d'Abbeville - Paris 10th arrondissement
They are twin sisters born on the facade of an apartment building. The caryatids atthe corner of Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière and Rue d'Abbeville were created at the same time as the building, in 1899 byarchitect Georges Massa.
Corner of Rue de Crimée and Rue Meynadier
"Caution: balcony under construction." On the second floor of 97bis Rue de Crimée, two statues are busy reinforcing the balcony above their heads. The two Atlantean figures at the corner of Rue de Crimée and Rue Meynadier are holding a trowel and a chisel, respectively. Everything you need to build a building worthy of the name, right?
