Art Nouveau in Paris. I can’t say this is my area of expertise as I’m no Art Nouveau architecture connoisseur. But I’m sharp enough to hop on board when a new Parisian friend offers to show me the wealth of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.
Hector Guimard’s (1867-1942) Art Nouveau Paris buildings are the main focus of the “balade” (walking tour) through the 16th arrondissement. The “balade,” mostly in French, took us past some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau Paris architecture. This creative and curvaceous architectural style is the complete antithesis to the Hausmann buildings throughout Paris.
Pro Tip: This 2- hour guided walking tour of Art Nouveau buildings in Paris covers a lot of the highlights!
1. What Is Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau directly translates as “new art” and so the style which emerged at the end of the 19th century was indeed new. What sets it apart from other architectural styles is the flow. The style is flowing, curvy and asymmetrical. The flowing forms connected the cities, which were becoming more and more industrialised, with nature. Creeping vines, water lilies, patterns from insect wings and the flowering boughs of trees are telltale signs of Art Nouveau architecture.
One of the most noticeable icons of Art Nouveau in Paris are the Metro stations created by Hector Guimard, the famous French Art Nouveau architect. Designed by Hector Guimard from 1900-1913, green castiron surrounds the Metro entrances along with the elegant lettering (look for the “M” for Métro), the stylish “Metropolitan” sign and two stations still have the glass entry roof nicknamed the “dragonfly.”
Some entranceways are still graced by the “lily of the valley” standing tall on each side. The red lamps and tall posts indicate the playfulness of the Art Nouveau style.
These Paris Art Nouveau métro entranceways still exist, scattered throughout Paris, and were designated historical monuments in 1978.
Speaking of the Paris Métro… if you are looking for info & tips on how to ride it like a local look no further than right here!
2. Map of Art Nouveau In Paris 16
3. Le Castel-Béranger
16 rue La Fontaine (1895- 1898)
This building, Castel Béranger, is one of the masterpieces of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris. Mme Fournier, the widow who commissioned the project, asked Hector Guimard, who was still young and unknown, to build an apartment building with thirty-six apartments in the 16th arrondissement.
With his complete rejection of flatness and symmetry, the use of stone along with pale pink brick patterns and the whimsical seahorses climbing the length of the building, Hector Guimard won the first prize for the most beautiful façade in the City of Paris in 1898.
Does Art Nouveau in Paris get any better than the doorway to Castel Béranger? The whimsical entrance to Castel Béranger is completely enchanting.
If you happen to be lucky and there is a delivery while you are there, ask if you can step inside the foyer for a minute. This Art Nouveau Paris foyer with its ceramic wall panels and thin pieces of iron might be the most astounding in the entire city.
Visit the Paris Art Nouveau swimming pool in the off-the-beaten-path village of La Butte aux Cailles in Paris’s 13th arrondissement.
4. Hôtel Mezzara
60 rue La Fontaine (1910)
Art Nouveau architecture in Paris flourished with Hector Guimard’s delightful and successful masterpieces. This mansion, Hôtel Mezzara, was built in 1910 for Paul Mezzara, a textile manufacturer and designer of lacework.
There is a little courtyard in front of the house protected by an iron fence delicately decorated with brambles and flowers, designed by Guimard. The balconies, lacy grillwork and wooden door are typical of Art Nouveau in Paris.
Since 1956, this Art Nouveau building in the 16th arrondissement has been occupied by the Ministry of Education. Hôtel Mezzara still contains some of the furniture and decor, designed in the Art Nouveau style, by Guimard.
5. Hôtel Jassedé
41 rue Chardon-Lagache (1893)
As you can see, Hector Guimard embraced asymmetrical design with quite some flair in Hôtel Jassedé. The use of brick and stone, which was audacious for the times, along with the floral ceramics make this a fashionable and stunning example of Art Nouveau in Paris.
Pro Tip: You’re only about a 3-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, why not book a skip the line tour?
6. École du Sacré-Coeur
9 avenue de la Frillière (1895)
On avenue de la Frillière, several educational and recreational buildings were commissioned by one of the numerous Catholic groups associated with Hector Guimard.
Guimard’s ingenious Art Nouveau style placed the cast-iron columns, holding up the visible iron beam, on an incline. The columns placed in the facade of the buildings left more open space in the interior.
Art Nouveau in Paris was leading the way with this surprising creation, a first of its kind.
Paris streets are full of treasures to discover. Check out these photo-worthy Paris streets. Which ones have you been to?
7. Hôtel Deron-Levent
8 villa de la Réunion (1905-1907)
In the 16th arrondissement, many examples of Art Nouveau in Paris are clustered quite close together. In fact, the l’Hôtel Devon-Levent is half-hidden by l’Hôtel Jassedé.
Unlike Hector Guimard’s asymmetrical designs in many of his Art Nouveau buildings, the windows here are placed symmetrically although designed differently.
The exterior design is not quite as flamboyant with the carved stone supports for the balconies and my favourite, the whimsical wrought iron railings.
Note the ones on the top left. Wispy wrought iron, designed as torches, is used to support the eavestroughs and illuminate a portion of the roof.
Looking for a day trip from Paris to a gem of a medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Here’s the low down on Provins France.
8. Art Nouveau Buildings At rue Agar, rue de la Fontaine & rue Gros (1909-1911)
Here you will find what was originally intended to be a project that included about thirteen buildings built in the Art Nouveau in Paris style. In the end, seven Art Nouveau structures were created, each with eight stories – six regular and two under the rooftops!
You will find some of the Art Nouveau façades of these seven buildings on rue la Fontaine, rue Gros and rue Agar.
Hector Guimard remained true to the Art Nouveau style with his curvaceous and asymmetrical design. Guimard’s classic style of intricate and wispy ironwork paired with brick and milled stone is evident here.
Cravan, a cocktail bar, is unmissable with its red front! Classified as a historic monument and known for outstanding cocktails and food, this bar is on my radar.
9. Art Nouveau In Paris | Hôtel Guimard
122 avenue Mozart (1909)
After Hector Guimard’s marriage to the American, Adeline Oppenheim, he built his mansion on Mozart Avenue. Doubling as an office on the ground floor, the living quarters were above. The windows are all exquisite, not at all symmetrical and my favourite are the “lanterns” on the rooftop.
After his death, Hector Guimard’s widow offered to transform the building into a museum but the French authorities declined.
Read More | Up for a walk? Stroll towards the Seine and cross the fabulous Bir-Hakeim bridge. Explore Ile aux Cygnes and see the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower in one vista!
10. Art Nouveau In Paris | Keep Your Eyes Open for…
Guimard’s Signature
Hector Guimard signed his buildings so if you are wandering in the 16th arrondissement soaking up Art Nouveau in Paris, watch out for his telltale signature.
Stunning Doorways
If you love unique doorways, Art Nouveau in Paris in the 16th arrondissement will have your jaw-dropping!
Decorated Art Nouveau Downspouts
Art Nouveau in Paris doesn’t ignore the essential, yet mundane, elements of construction. Even the downspouts are designed with style. Look for floral and vegetal designs covering the drain pipes. So classy!
11. Other Highlights in Paris 16
Eiffel Aerodynamics Laboratory
67 rue Boileau
This aerodynamic laboratory was opened in 1912 by Gustave Eiffel and he directed it until 1921. It is here that Eiffel, with the use of the 23m long wind tunnel with which he studied the effects of air movement and air resistance on falling objects. The laboratory is made up of a vast hangar and several workshops. It was here that certain models, such as that of the Citroën ZX have been tested.
Open: You can visit Fridays at 14:00, once a month only. Book your visit here.
12. Art Nouveau In Paris | The 7eme
At #29 ave Rapp in the 7th arrondissement, you will discover another outstanding example of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris. Built in 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, another Art Nouveau architect, this building was the winner of the City of Paris façades competition in 1901. True to the Art Nouveau style, it has flowing form and plenty of floral and vegetal design. It is purely whimsical and a joy to look at while appreciating its intricate details!
13. Art Nouveau In Paris | Dining
It’s a unique and magical experience to dine amidst whimsical and delightful Art Nouveau decor. Enter the Bouillon Julien in the 10th arrondissement and step into the world of Art Nouveau in Paris.
Bouillon Julien opened its doors in 1906, having been constructed by the French architect Edouard Fournier. Top Art Nouveau artisans of the day were used to design the sumptuous and elegant interior. I couldn’t take my eyes off the sea-green walls, the mirrors, the lights, and the glassworks of four nymphs representing the seasons nor the peacock panels which symbolize eternity and paradise.
Walking across the tile floor is like walking on a carpet of flowers. The bar, well over 100 years old, in Cuban mahogany and pewter is remarkable. I had to drag my gaze from the stained glass ceiling to order my meal. Dining at this bouillon Paris restaurant is simply a must.
Special Thanks to
Many thanks to my friend Valérie who spent the day showing me and teaching me about the treasures of Art Nouveau Paris in the 16th arrondissement.
More Travel Info…
Planning Tips For Your Trip to Paris
Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups.
Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France
Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)
Guided Tours and Tickets for Paris
Le Marais Paris: Try this walking tour of le Marais or get right to the good stuff – a cheese, wine and delicacies tour.
This one-hour Seine cruise is unforgettable but so is the evening Seine cruise. It’s a hard choice!
This skip-the-line admission to the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop or the timed entry to the Louvre and reserved access to the Musée d’Orsay can maximize your time.
Get to the top of the Eiffel Tower with direct access to the summit by elevator.
A day trip to Versailles with access to the Palace and Gardens with an audio guide is always a good idea.
Where To Stay In Paris
Not all hotels in Paris have air-conditioning. Verify this before booking. As the month of August is the height of the tourist season, book your hotel or apartment well in advance.
- Check out these 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris
- Find other Boutique hotels in the Marais
- Here are 21 Hotels with Eiffel Tower views
Other suggested Paris hotels:
- Hôtel la Comtesse with an Eiffel Tower view
- Chouchou Hotel with an eclectic vibe
- Hôtel des Académies et des Arts in Saint-Germain des Prés (the left bank)
Prefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris apartments:
- Portrait of Splendour literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
- Joyau de Marais
- The Panthéon Pageantry
Guides To Paris
Now that you know all the best things to do in le Marais Paris, here are some of my guides to Paris:
- the Paris arrondissements to help you plan the best trip ever. Included are all the best things to do in each area.
- Saint-Germain des Prés
- The Marais
- Montmartre
- The Latin Quarter
- La Butte aux Cailles
- Canal Saint-Martin.
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very cool! so much history in those buildings!
I know… they have been around for a long time and each has its own special story.
What a lovely selection of Art Nouveau photos of Paris! She is indeed beautiful!
Thank you! Isn’t she?!
This is stunning! I’m in love and must go here immediately! Your pictures are fantastic. 🙂
Thank you, Daisy! I had a lot of fun discovering these amazing buildings with my friend and went back again by myself for more photos!!
Lovely post. The asymmetrical designs are very cool. And, everything else you posted. It could be a really fun day walking the 16th and looking for these. I love hunting for street art and this is a different kind of art on the streets.
It definitely is a form of street art and the 16th is a residential and lovely arrondissement to walk through.
You had me at Paris. Such beauty in those buildings, certainly is one of the reason I adore Paris and France. Stunning photography.
Thank you, Bree! Paris and her treasures… you could just wander and look at buildings all day!
Your photos and commentary are utterly engaging.
Thank you, June. I am glad you enjoyed the post so much!
What a beautiful city! Paris has a rich culture and history, and I think that’s super evident in the city architecture. I’d love to visit sometime. Thanks for the helpful info!
You are welcome! I hope you get to visit and wander her glorious streets!
I so love the unique and quirky designs of the Art Nouveau period. Interesting to read that many are nestled closely in the same neighbourhood (similar to Barcelona).
So true about Barcelona. The Art Nouveau buildings are such fun to examine!
The Art Nouveau movement was killed by the first world war. The art Deco movement was killed by the second world war. Nothing of a similar nature has emerged since. Something intangible died during those wars.
Thanks for this comment. Thankfully we can still enjoy the beautiful buildings (that are left) from both those movements.