What comes to mind when you're looking for ideas for architectural walks in Paris? Haussmann, of course. The opulent buildings, the spindly balconies, the solemn domes... But just between theArt Nouveau era and the futuristic lines of modernism, a flamboyant period left its mark:Art Deco. Geometric patterns, bold symmetries, colorful frescoes, noble materials... This style, born after the First World War, revolutionized the forms and functions of buildings.
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]
Art Deco - short for "decorative arts" - emerged in the 1920s and reached its peak in the 1930s. It is characterized by a quest for modern elegance, where rigorous form blends with a profusion of detail. Metal, stone, glass and even concrete are worked with an aesthetic concern that combines functionality and ornamentation.
In Paris, building facades, old cinemas, bourgeois building lobbies, public swimming pools and even a boldly designed church all tell the story of this era. Some monuments, such as the Palais de la Porte Dorée and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, jump out at you. Others are just around the corner, tucked away in a street or residential alley. We take you on a tour of the iconic monuments that bear witness to the legacy of the Art Deco movement in Paris!
This Art Deco church near Paris is affectionately known as the "Holy Chapel of the Marne Banks."
In Maisons-Alfort, the Church of Sainte-Agnès captivates visitors with its Art Deco architecture, its striking 53-meter-tall bell tower, and its luminous stained glass windows. Often referred to as the “Sainte-Chapelle of the Marne banks,” it ranks among the most remarkable religious structures in the region. [Read more]
To the west of Paris, this remarkable town hall stands as a true temple of Art Deco, and its striking architecture has earned it numerous awards.
Just outside Paris, in the commune of Puteaux, a striking building captures the eye and sparks curiosity. This town hall, built in the 1930s, stands out as a notable example of Art Deco architecture in the Parisian region. [Read more]
Just outside Paris, this town hall features a striking Art Deco design.
History and Heritage
With its striking façade, sleek design, and nostalgic charm, the Montreuil town hall stands out on the cityscape. But what makes it so different from other municipal buildings in the Île-de-France region? Here’s a deep dive into the story of a building that’s truly one of a kind. [Read more]
The Casino de Paris, an iconic venue with a Belle Epoque spirit
The Casino de Paris is one of the most emblematic concert halls in Paris. Located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, this cult venue is distinguished by its Belle Époque and Art Nouveau architecture. [Read more]
Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris, opening hours, tickets and exhibitions
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, located in the Palais Chaillot on Place du Trocadéro, is an exceptional, monumental 22,000 m2 museum housing numerous models, city plans and immense scupltures. Here, you can take an in-depth look at some of the world's most beautiful buildings, and immerse yourself in the world of technology, architecture and urban planning. [Read more]
Did you know? You can visit Aux Belles Poules, a brothel from the Roaring Twenties.
While most of the capital's brothels have disappeared since prostitution was outlawed, one remains open to the curious during burlesque tours and lectures at Aux Belles Poules. [Read more]
Les Folies Bergère, a cult theater with an art deco look in Paris
Les Folies Bergère is one of Paris's most cult venues. Located in the capital's 9th arrondissement, it is one of the vestiges of the Belle Epoque, immersing spectators in the charm of the Paris of yesteryear, while offering numerous shows, concerts and comedy shows throughout the year. [Read more]
Did you know? Paris's Vaneau metro station and its distinctive Art Deco entrance
It's the hidden gem of line 10: Vaneau station, whose Art Deco entrance, integrated into a building, surprises with its geometric elegance. A discreet but captivating testimony to the 1920s, a stone's throw from the Fontaine du Fellah. [Read more]
Anbassa, the coffee-shop with specialty coffees under a 1930s dome in Pantin
Anbassa is the perfect address for coffee aficionados in Pantin, just outside Paris. Here, you'll discover a coffee roaster in a luminous, historic setting, with a sublime 1930s cupola that lets in the daylight. A great spot for a coffee break or for coworking! [Read more]
Musée de l'histoire de l'Immigration: opening hours, collections, prices... All you need to know
Housed in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration tells the story of France in a different way... Discover this unusual cultural site. [Read more]
Le Grand Rex: the world's largest cinema
Its starry vault, its atypically decorated facade, its grandeur... You've got a thousand and one reasons to visit the Grand Rex! In fact, it's the world's largest cinema, with a grand auditorium seating 2,702 people. [Read more]
The Oberkampf swimming pool, an Art Deco pool listed as a Historic Monument
The historic Oberkampf pool, built in the 19th century, was saved from demolition after being listed as a Monument Historique. Now residents of the 11th arrondissement can continue to swim their laps! [Read more]
Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an Art Deco masterpiece in Paris's 20th arrondissement
In the heart of Paris's 20th arrondissement stands the Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an art deco masterpiece dating from the 1930s. Discover this secret and unusual treasure of Parisian heritage. [Read more]
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées : Paris's architectural and scenic jewel
Discover the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a renowned architectural monument and the epicenter of Parisian cultural life. [Read more]
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Art deco, art nouveau: what's the difference between the two, and how can you tell them apart?
