Do you like architectural discoveries? The selection presented and discovered by the editors highlights Paris' unusual buildings, veritable heritage treasures, reflecting the stylistic evolution of Paris through the ages. The abundance and diversity of architectural styles, from mansions and medieval relics to modern creations and Art Nouveau, offer a vibrant testimony to the eras we've passed through. This discovery allows you to appreciate Paris in a new light, far from the tourist clichés and beaten tracks, and to feel the city's historical and artistic pulse.
Immerse yourself in a Paris where every stone, every facade, tells a story. The editorial team unveils a variety of buildings with unique characteristics, establishing a list of buildings to discover all over Paris. It's a chance to explore the capital off the beaten track, and to be surprised by its architectural audacity.
The selected buildings, from different eras, illustrate the passage of time and the dialogue between tradition and modernity. They reflect the ambitions, aspirations and influences that have helped shape the face of Paris. Some buildings stand out from the ordinary for their bold design, their history or their harmonious integration into the urban fabric, renewing the way we look at the city.
Did you know that a sublime and unusual Parisian façade is hidden in Cité Malesherbes?
Among the most beautiful facades and buildings in Paris is the one designed by architect Anatole Jal, for and by painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet. Nestled in the peaceful, hidden Cité Malesherbes, this marvel of biblical scenes is well worth a visit. We tell you all about it. [Read more]
The medieval houses of rue François-Miron, vestiges of an old Paris in the Marais district
At 11 and 13 rue François-Miron, in the Marais district of Paris, two half-timbered houses still stand, reminiscent of medieval Paris. Restored and remodeled, they retain traces of a Parisian past often romanticized, between gables, corbels and old signs. [Read more]
The Comédie Italienne in Paris and its mythical trompe-l'œil blue façade
A testament to Franco-Italian theatrical history, the Comédie Italienne was born in Paris in 1980. Inherited from the commedia dell'arte, this small contemporary theater in Montparnasse astonishes passers-by with its trompe-l'oeil blue façade. [Read more]
Les Orgues de Flandre, gigantic post-modern buildings in the 19th arrondissement
In the 19ᵉ arrondissement, Les Orgues de Flandre fascinate with their vertiginous silhouette. Designed between 1973 and 1980, these residential buildings with their brutalist architecture bear musical names and embody the audacity of post-modern social housing. [Read more]
The Caserne Montmartre and its magnificent façade, where the tradition of the firemen's ball was born
On rue Carpeaux, in the heart of the 18th arrondissement, lies the Caserne Montmartre, responsible for the birth of the firemen's ball tradition. A memorable building, with striking architecture, whose façade you can admire! [Read more]
Les Espaces d'Abraxas, a landmark building in Noisy-le-Grand (93)
In Noisy-le-Grand, just a few minutes' walk from the Noisy-Mont d'Est RER station, you'll discover housing estates with architecture that clearly stands out from the crowd: such is the case of the Espaces d'Abraxas, which, while not necessarily recommended for visits so as not to disturb the residents, has an unfailing architectural charisma. [Read more]
Unusual: In the 5th arrondissement, these fake Roman remains arouse the curiosity of passers-by
This is one of the sights to see when in Paris's 5th arrondissement. Hidden between the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Panthéon and the Val de Grâce, an unusual building entrance takes on the appearance of ancient ruins. We tell you more about these false Pompeian remains and where to find them. [Read more]
The original building facade on rue Blomet, Paris 15th arrondissement
Flanking rue Blomet in the 15ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, you may come across the facade of this unusual and original Paris building. This 1909 building, designed by architect Charles Lefebvre, is reminiscent of the grand houses of Normandy. [Read more]
Did you know? Why does the McD's in Saint-Lazare have the façade of an Alsatian house?
Does the unusual facade of the McDonald's at 119 rue Saint-Lazare in Paris appeal to you? Discover the history of this Alsatian house that contrasts with the capital's Haussmann-style buildings. [Read more]
Les Arènes de Picasso, the emblematic real estate complex in Noisy-le-Grand (93)
The Palacio d'Abraxas, designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, is well known in Noisy-le-Grand, but you may have already caught a glimpse of this unusual building nicknamed "les camemberts de Noisy". [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]
Discover the magnificent cathedral building on rue Réaumur and its astrological clock
For a little architectural stroll, choose Paris's 2nd arrondissement, and rue Réaumur in particular. It's packed with exceptional facades, including a cathedral building with a clock and astrological wheel. [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]
La Pagode de Paris - the unique and unusual Maison Loo in Paris
The Pagode de Paris - Maison Loo, located in the heart of the Plaine Monceau between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, is an unusual architectural treasure. Revamped in 1926, this former residence now stands like a private museum, a building of one man's love for his native China, right in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
The unusual Menier building - Musée de la Pharmacie
In a private mansion close to the Parc Monceau, you'll find one of the most secretive museums in Paris: the Musée de la Pharmacie! Now the headquarters of the Ordre National des Pharmaciens, the museum offers free access to its history and unique collections. This is your chance to discover the originality of this courtyard façade. [Read more]
Did you know that? Discover the history of the Journal du Soir - La France building - rue Montmartre
Immerse yourself in the history of journalism in Paris by visiting the façade of the Journal du Soir - La France, located at 144 rue Montmartre, a witness to a bygone era. [Read more]
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]
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]
Did you know that this historic building and its clock once belonged to Le Temps magazine?
We often walk past it and marvel at the beauty of its facade and clock, but do you know the history of this building which was once the home of Le Temps magazine? We tell you... [Read more]
L'hôtel Henri Menier - Conservatoire international de musique de Paris
En 1880, Henri Menier sollicite l'expertise de l'architecte Henri Parent (1819-1895) pour ériger sa demeure parisienne aux abords du parc Monceau. Durant cette période, l'aristocratie et la haute bourgeoisie se disputent les services de cet architecte, spécialisé dans les résidences luxueuses. Une décennie plus tôt, Parent avait déjà conçu les plans de l’hôtel Emile-Justin Menier, demeure du père d'Henri Menier, située sur l'avenue Van Dyck voisine. [Read more]
French Ministry of Culture
Dans un quartier où prédominent les édifices sobres et bourgeois, cet immeuble qui abrite le Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication surprend par son originalité. La rénovation et restructuration de 2004, orchestrées par les architectes Francis Soler et Frédéric Druot, lui ont conféré une résille argentée inattendue, enrichissant son allure. [Read more]
And now you're off to make some great discoveries!
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