Art Nouveau In Paris | The 16th Arrondissement

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.

Henri 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.

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.

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.

4. Hôtel Mezzara

60 rue La Fontaine (1910)

Art Nouveau architecture in Paris 16 continued to flourish 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 Paris 16 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.

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 that Hector Guimard was associated with.

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.

7. Hôtel Deron-Levent

8 villa de la Réunion (1905-1907)

In Paris 16, there are many examples of Art Nouveau in Paris 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 in Paris 16, the windows here are placed symmetrically although designed differently.

The exterior design is not quite so flamboyant with the carved stone supports for the balconies and my favourite, the whimsical rod iron railings.

Note the ones on the top left. Wispy rod iron to support the eavestroughs designed as torches to illuminate a portion of the roof.

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 remains true to the Art Nouveau style with curvaceous and asymmetrical design. Continued use of brick along with milled stone and the hallmark intricate and wispy ironwork are his classic style.

Cravan, a rather new café and cocktail bar, is unmissable with its red front! A grand place to stop for a coffee (although not open during the day in February) or a cocktail. 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.

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 10eme and step into a 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…

About Paris:

Wondering Where to Stay in Paris?

Check out these hotels. And, if you want to stay close to these fabulous Art Nouveau buildings, try these hotels.

The Village Feel in Paris:

f you love that village feel in Paris these areas might interest you:

Montmartre, much like Ile Saint- Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.

Le Marais is one of Paris’s oldest quartiers full of exquisite mansions and modern-day boutiques. Explore the narrow streets and find the hidden treasures in this article.

Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.

Gastronomy In Paris:

If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.

Paris Solo:

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

Paris and France:

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.

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Author: Alison BrowneCreator and Founder of Dreamer at Heart Alison, a Francophile from a young age, is following a long-held dream and has been living in Paris since 2020. Her passion for uncovering Paris and discovering the regions of France has resulted in an expertise about France that she loves to share in her articles. Also a solo traveller, Alison shares her experiences of solo travel to many corners of the world. Alison helps over 65000 readers a month plan their trips.

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