The cities of Nancy and Brussels may have even more Art Nouveau creations, but the French capital is no exception! In Paris, the trend was launched with the success of the Castel Béranger and, at the 1900 Universal Exhibition, with the rise ofAlfons Mucha and his posters.
Art nouveau is characterized by ornamentation inspired by nature, trees, flowers, insects or animals, as well as arabesques. The artistic movement, which reached its peak around 1905, later evolved into Art Deco, with a more geometric style. In Paris, there are many places and buildings built during the Art Nouveau movement, which can be discovered all year round, and especially on June 10, World Art Nouveau Day.
After 16 years of closure, this Parisian department store reopened its doors in 2021, thanks to a spectacular renovation. Its style oscillates between Art Deco and Art Nouveau, with flamboyant exterior decoration by decoratorFrancis Jourdain, painter Eugène Grasset (designer of the store sign), ironworker Édouard Schenck and ceramist Alexandre Bigot.
Samaritaine Paris: the historic store's shopping and dining areas and events
La Samaritaine reopened its doors in 2021 after 16 years of renovation. Discover its shopping, beauty and restaurant areas. You'll love strolling around, enjoying the tea rooms and discovering the majestic staircase and window displays. [Read more]
Art Nouveau was at its height when the Paris metro opened 116 years ago. It was Lyon architect Hector Guimard, who also designed the Castel Béranger, who would go on to design some of the metro's entrance doors. Since then, many of them have unfortunately disappeared, but 86 of the 141 are still standing, and can be admired at stations such as Porte Dauphine, Saint-Michel, Cité, Abbesses, Ternes and Pigalle.
There are two types, with or without roofs, but for the one with a fan-shaped canopy, the only one left is the Porte Dauphine entrance, with a"dragonfly design". For the roofless entrances, the word Métropolitain stands between two ornate lampposts, representing the stem of a plant. The orange lamps at the top are surrounded by leaves. The gates were declared historic monuments in 1978, preventing further destruction.
Did you know? This is the last of Hector Guimard's original Type B metro station aediculae.
Did you know? Hector Guimard's last surviving type B kiosk, nicknamed La Libellule, is located at Porte Dauphine station in Paris. This exceptional Parisian metro entrance is one of the last original vestiges, and we tell you all about it. [Read more]
In 1898, Hector Guimard built the Castel Béranger in the 16th arrondissement. It's a work in its own right, considered the founding work of the movement in France, and a great success in the capital. The building won Guimard the prize for the most beautiful façade in Paris, and isnow a listed historic monument. Although the building is privately owned and not open to the public, the exterior façade, portal and balconies are well worth a visit!
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]
This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is tucked away in the heart of Le Vésinet in the Yvelines. This first"Guimard-style" villa was built and decorated under the architect's orders, commissioned by the wealthy Mr. Noguès. And if it's nicknamed the Hublotière, it's because of its astonishing porthole-shaped window wells!
La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa opens this summer in Le Vésinet (78)
Have you heard of La Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, is hidden away in the heart of Le Vésinet, in the Yvelines department. Exceptionally, it's opening its doors to the public this summer - a golden opportunity to discover our heritage! [Read more]
Designed by architect Jules Lavirotte in 1904, this building is a perfect illustration of the aesthetic principles of the period.
Did you know that the Céramic Hôtel and its unusual façade are listed as Historic Monuments?
The Ceramic Hotel, which today is still a hotel named "Hôtel Elysées Crémac Paris", has one of the most original facades in Paris. We tell you the story of this Art Nouveau building designed by the architect Jules Aimé Lavirotte, winner of the 1905 City of Paris facade competition. [Read more]
