architecture tours paris

A Self-Guided Tour of Parisian Architecture

 Allan Baxter / Getty Images 

A stroll across Paris is also a stroll through history . It's a metropolis where you'll encounter a dizzying array of architectural styles if you cover enough ground. Take this self-guided (or totally virtual) tour of Parisian architecture to witness some of the city's most stunning buildings—and learn more about the capital's centuries-long history.

Tip: If you take this tour in person, you have two options. You can either treat it as an "itinerary" by visiting the suggested sites in the order shown below or choose your own starting and stopping points. And remember—the best strolls in Paris include spontaneous discoveries and small detours. Watch out for beautiful buildings and architectural details not included on this list.

Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle

Robertharding / Getty Images Plus

The first stop on your architecture tour of the capital is an imposing medieval structure called the Conciergerie . It's probably one of the best-preserved examples of architecture dating to the Middle Ages and has served over the centuries as a royal palace, revolutionary prison, and tribunal. Today it houses the Palais de Justice, an important court of law. It blends elements of both secular and religious architectural styles.

A palace existed on the site from the 6th century, during the Merovingian period. But the facade's dramatic turrets, towers, and other features are the product of elaborate extensions carried out under royal rule during the 10th to 14th centuries, reflecting an ornate Gothic style. King Charles IV built the imposing towers that loom over the Seine River.

Meanwhile, the dazzling Sainte-Chapelle or royal chapel that sits beside the Conciergerie is one of the city's most beautiful examples of "rayonnant" Gothic architecture. Its sumptuous, light-filled interiors are prized for their well-preserved, elaborate stained glass and beautiful lower chapel.

For more on the interiors of the Conciergerie, including details on the remarkable grand hall and well-preserved prison cells, see our full guide. You can also take a virtual or self-guided tour of medieval Paris for more stunning examples of Parisian architecture from the Middle Ages.

Place des Vosges

Next, it's time to cross the Seine and head to the historic Marais district, home to an  interesting blend of medieval and Renaissance-era architecture.  At the neighborhood's northeastern edge lies the  Place des Vosges , a royal square whose style is both distinctive and relatively rare.

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, the site was built at the height of the Renaissance era and completed in around 1612. It consists of a rectangular arrangement of grand buildings with red-bricked facades and steep rooftops in slate; covered galleries formed from dramatic arched structures grace the ground-floor levels. At the center lies a lush garden, also known as the Square Louis XIII. A statue of the eponymous French King stands in the middle.

Admire the harmonious architectural features of the Place des Vosges by strolling beneath its galleries, then stand at the square's center to better survey the red-bricked houses. You can also find many examples of fine Renaissance-era hotels particuliers (mansions) in the same neighborhood, including at the Hotel Carnavelet. It houses a museum dedicated to Parisian history.

Centre Georges Pompidou

Bernard Jaubert/Getty Images

Few buildings in Paris generate more controversy than the Centre Georges Pompidou. Some love the boldly colorful, whimsical building, which houses one of France's most important museums of modern art, a bookshop, cinema, public library, and panoramic rooftop restaurant.

Others find it to be nothing short of an eyesore, disliking how its "high-tech" architectural style clashes with the older buildings that surround it.

Regardless of the mixed reactions it attracts, the Centre Pompidou is beloved by locals. They flock to occupy its enormous, sloping plaza and mill around in the airy ground floor lobby, whose floor-to-ceiling glass panes let in plenty of light.

The Pompidou was completed in 1977 and named after the French President who commissioned it. It was designed by architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Su Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini. The architects were pioneers of the "inside-out building" concept, designing the building so that all of its functional components—from its mechanical systems to air conditioning—are visible on the facade.

The brightly colored tubes that run across the rear-side facade each designate a function: green pipes correspond to plumbing systems, blue ducts to climate control. Safety and circulation devices are in red, and wires are in yellow. The late modernist, high tech design is a kind of tribute to tech culture and developments.

Renzo Piano said this of the building: "The center is like a huge spaceship made of glass, steel and colored tubing that landed unexpectedly in the heart of the Paris, and where it would very quickly set deep roots."

If you're able to visit, make sure to purchase a museum ticket so you can take the escalators that ascend the building on the outside, culminating in fantastic panoramic views over the city .

La Samaritaine

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis  / Contributor 

Heading slightly westward and back to the banks of the Seine, it's time to admire the facade of the legendary Parisian department store La Samaritaine.

Looming over the Pont Neuf bridge, the store was a boldly modern venture when it opened in 1870, designed by architects Frantz Jourdain and Henri Sauvage.

But the building you see today took many years and phases to complete; it melds different architectural styles and period features. While the "bones" of the department store are from the late 19th century, the elements that are most striking on the store's facades—floral motifs, dramatically painted lettering, heavy use of decorative glass and exposed steel arranged in geometric patterns—are typical of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in architecture, popular during the early twentieth century.

The facade facing the Seine is a particularly arresting sight at sunrise and sunset, when light tends to reflect dramatically on the glass panes, creating a glowing effect.

Place Vendome

 Royalty-free/Getty Images

We now turn our attention to an outstanding example of architecture from the neoclassical period: Place Vendome, possibly the most grandiose square in the capital. Trees are nearly absent on the majestic place, which is today lined with expensive jewelry boutiques.

Commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, the Place Vendome was designed to convey great royal power, wealth, and prestige. It was designed by the "Sun King's" first architect, Mansart, according to a harmonious octagonal plan. It's typical of 17th-century neoclassical French architecture , boasting grand Corinthian-style columns, carved decorative sculptures, and the linking of windows from one floor to the next. In total, 28 mansions, or hotels particuliers , line the square.

In the center stands a statue of Emperor Napoleon I. It's actually a replica of a statue that was destroyed during the Revolution of 1870 or the "Paris Commune." On the west end lies the Hotel Ritz, whose grandiose premises were recently renovated.

Passage Vivienne

Imagine it's pouring rain, and you need a place to take cover from the hustle and bustle of 19th-century urban life. The covered galeries, or "arcades," of the area known as the Grands Boulevards , would have made an excellent place to take refuge from the street. They still do today, too.

The Galerie Vivienne is one of the most opulent and best-preserved examples of the main Parisian galeries, which form a sort of network within the 2nd and 9th arrondissements . This particular passageway is located in close reach of the Palais Royal (another architectural gem to explore, by the way) and was completed in 1823.

Stretching for hundreds of feet, the airy, glass-roofed covered passageways here harbor historic restaurants and cafes, bookstores, antique shops, and clothing boutiques. Admire the elaborate tile-mosaic floors, faux-marble columns, and light-flooded glass panes that stretch across the rooftops.

Make sure to spend some time taking in the details of the Galerie Colbert at one end of the Vivienne; it boasts an impressive colonnade and rotunda. The glass dome house found in this corner of the galerie houses the National Institute of Art. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at Le Grand Colbert, a lavish old brasserie with impressive Belle-Epoque interiors.

Opera Garnier

Gabrielle & Michel Therin-Weise / robertharding /Getty Images 

Designed by an architecture student named Charles Garnier in 1861, the Palais Garnier—also known simply as "Opera"—is a winning example of the Napoleon III style. This 19th-century school brings together numerous different architectural elements and techniques, including neoclassical, Renaissance, and Baroque. It makes heavy use of decoration, including gilded facades, statuary and sculpture, lavish staircases, and trellises.

After taking in the opulent facade of the Palais Garnier, note the wide boulevards that surround and lead to it—including the grand Avenue de l'Opéra. These boulevards are representative of Georges-Eugène Haussmann's remaking of Paris from the mid-19th-century.

He transformed the capital's narrow streets into bustling, modern boulevards, and demolished some 20,000 buildings to replace them with residential and commercial structures that are today often seen as "typically" Parisian.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Iwan Baan for Fondation Louis Vuitton /Iwan Baan

Finally, we head to the western edge of Paris to take in one of the most interesting recent additions to the city's skyline: a bold design from American architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art center that purposefully makes a central attraction of its own stunning, singular structure.

Gehry fashioned the building from 3,600 individual glass panels and 19,000 counterparts in concrete. He was partly inspired by the elegant, airy, glass-domed structures that emerged in Paris during the 19th century, such as the Grand Palais . Boldly futuristic yet evoking organic forms, the Fondation has, at times, been likened to a mollusk-like creature. Others say it looks like a sea vessel of some kind, with its 12 glass "sails" seeming to blow in the wind. In any case, it's mesmerizing.

Situated in the middle of the enormous wood known as the Bois de Boulogne, the Fondation Vuitton boasts over 125,000 square feet of gallery space. The permanent exhibit, set within the light-filled, airy interiors, includes a look at the building's innovative design.

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• Architecture City Guide

Paris City Guide: 23 Places Every Architect Must Visit

• Written by Virginia Duran
• Published on August 22, 2021

Paris , the city that was born on the banks of the Seine, grew from a small island – Île de la Cité – to the vast metropolis that nowadays extends beyond Ménilmontant, the vingtième arrondissement.

The French capital has so much to offer. Centuries of history have left behind meaningful structures which also have been the background of love stories, wars and revolutions. Whether you are seeking to admire hidden spots, the well-known landmarks and jewels soon to be opened, or filling your personal story with them, you'll find everything you want in this city.

This list, in no particular order, aims to provide some guidance and inspiration for your next trip to Paris . If you love architecture, dear friend, look no further.

Want to discover Paris' architecture ? Continue reading!

1. Centre Georges Pompidou

Architect: Renzo Piano

Location:19 Rue Beaubourg ( Google )

Description: This is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris and houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe. Its exposed skeleton of brightly coloured tubes for mechanical systems was the beginning of a new era of architecture and it's a must visit. Oh and don't miss the views from the top floor, which has free admission the first Sunday of each month. Read more here .

2. Fondation Louis Vuitton Paris

Architect: Frank Gehry

Location:8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi ( Google )

Description: Louis Vuitton, the luxury French fashion house founded in 1854, has recently been opening stunning stores around the world: Louis Vuitton Matsuya Ginza (Jun Aoki, 2013), Louis Vuitton in Singapore (FTL Design Engineering Studio, 2012) and The Shops at Crystals (Daniel Libeskind, 2009) are some of the most stunning. This art museum is even more exciting as there is a cultural aspect to it in the design – not just a formal approach. Built on the edge of a water garden created especially for the project, it comprises an assemblage of white blocks (known as “the icebergs”) clad in panels of fiber-reinforced concrete, surrounded by twelve immense glass “sails” supported by wooden beams. Read more here.

3. Palais de Tokyo Expansion

Architect: Lacaton & Vassal

Location:13 Avenue du Président Wilson ( Google )

Description: The original Palais de Tokyo – built in 1937 for the International Exhibition of Arts and Technology of 1937 – attracted over 30 million people. It was known as Palais des Musées d'art moderne. However, after the event was over, the structure became neglected and eventually deteriorated. In 2001, Lacaton & Vassal breathed new life into it, the new expansion injected extra space and it went from 7000 to 22,000 square meters. Palais de Tokyo is now a brand new building dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The new Café, located on top of the Palais, has one of the best skyline views of Paris . Read more here .

4. Palais-Royal

Architect: Jules Hardouin-Mansart

Location:8 Rue de Montpensier ( Google )

Description: The Palais-Royal, originally the fancy home of Cardinal Richelieu, ended up in the King's hands after his death in 1642 – Henry VIII had a similar episode with York Place and Cardinal Wolseley in 1530. Since then, this palace became the home of kings and queens to follow until the late 18th century. Today, the Palais-Royal serves as the seat of the Ministry of Culture (closed to the public) but it's the southern end of the complex, polka-dotted with sculptor Daniel Buren's 260 black-and-white striped columns, that has become the garden's signature feature since 1986. Read more here .

5. Bibliothèque Nationale de France

Architect: Dominique Perrault

Location: Quai François Mauria ( Google )

Description: Designed as four open books, all facing one another, this public library is part of an ambitious long-term project: The Grands Projets. President François Mitterand aimed to create a new set of modern monuments for a city long defined by its architecture. Some of the constructions in this plan include the Arab World Institute, the Parc de la Villette and Pyramide at the Louvre. The library buildings define a symbolic and mythical place that reinforce the cultural importance in the urban fabric. Don't miss the other Bibliothèque Nationale by Henri Labrouste (1875). Read more here .

6. Notre Dame Cathedral 

Architect: Manuelle Gautrand

Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II ( Google )

Description: While its interior is closed off to visitors following the devastating fire of April 2019, this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture remains a must visit place in Paris . Over its long construction period numerous architects worked on the site, as is evidenced by the differing styles at different heights of the west front and towers. The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation is just behind it, don’t miss it either. Read more here.

7. Eiffel Tower 

Architect: Gustave Eiffel

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France ( Google )

Description: Time for a big classic. Despite being such a cliché, this spot is one of my favourites of the list as an architect. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, which was located in the nearby Trocadéro area. It is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall and, at the time of its completion, the tallest man-made structure in the world – a title it held for 41 years. This monument represents the aspirations of a country and the technical skills of its creators, which I find inspiring. In addition, the atmosphere around the Eiffel Tower is magical. Read more here.

8. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Architect: Paul Abadie

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre ( Google )

Description: You may think this Romano-Byzantine church is older than it looks, but it was actually built after the Eiffel Tower (1889). The appearance of Sacré Cœur's design is a result of the conservative Catholic old guard and the secular, republican radicals. The apse mosaic Christ in Majesty, created by Luc-Olivier Merson, is among the largest in the world. Don't miss the amazing skyline views from the dome (accessible through the exterior left side of the basilica). Read more here.

9. Le Grand Louvre

Architect: I.M. Pei

Location: Place du Carrousel ( Google )

Description: As mentioned in #5, in 1981, the newly elected French president, Francois Mitterrand, launched a campaign to renovate cultural institutions throughout France and one of the most advantageous of those projects was the renovation and reorganization of the Louvre. President Mitterrand commissioned the Chinese American architect I.M. Pei the task being the first time that a foreign architect was enlisted to work on the Louvre museum. The new structure – built in the same proportions of the famous Pyramid of Giza – alleviated the congestion from the thousands of daily visitors. Sunset is the best time to visit. Read more here .

10. Musée d'Orsay

Architect: Victor Laloux, Lucien Magne and Émile Bénard

Location:1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur ( Google )

Description: This imposing museum was originally built in 1900 as the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station. And although its function was transformed, it does look like a railway station. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh. This and Marmottan Monet Museum are my favorites in Paris . Don’t miss the amazing skyline views from the clock tower. Read more here.

11. Fondation Le Corbusier

+Maison-Atelier Ozenfant, Immeuble Porte Molitor and Villa Stein-de-Monzie

Architect: Le Corbusier

Location: (Fondation Le Corbusier) 8-10 Square du Docteur Blanche ( Google )

Description: Of the countless buildings Le Corbusier designed in France, most of his housing examples are located in Paris . It would be unfair to just list one of them and that’s why I included some of his most representative works. Where to start? Definitely at Maison La Roche and Maison Jeanneret (1923–24), a pair of semi-detached houses that were Le Corbusier’s third commission in Paris. Fondation Le Corbusier is now used as a museum containing about 8,000 original drawings, studies and plans by Le Corbusier. His Paris home, where he lived until 1965, is located at Immeuble Porte Molitor (Public tours only by appointment). Read more here.

12. Pigalle Basketball

Architect: Ill-Studio

Location:17 Rue Duperré ( Google )

Description: This exciting urban intervention explores the relationship between sport, art and culture by changing the original primary colours with gradients of blue, pink, purple and orange. Blocks of red, yellow, blue and white from the last iteration have been painted over with brighter hues. The rubber court surface blends from blue at the ends to pink in the centre, while gradients have also been applied to the surrounding walls. The result? A fun place to play, watch and socialise. Read more here.

13. Musée du Quai Branly

Architect: Jean Nouvel

Location: ( Google )

Description: Many people (tourists) reach this spot by accident when trying to find the Eiffel Tower. However, this museum is quite important itself. Hybrid, composite, coloured, mysterious and joyous, Jean Nouvel’s building has in effect repeated the success from his victorious Institut du Monde Arabe (1988). The “green wall” on the exterior was designed and planted by Gilles Clément and Patrick Blanc and it’s worth a visit too. Read more here.

14. Docks de Paris

Architect: Jakob + MacFarlane

Location: 34 Quai d’Austerlitz ( Google )

Description: The wonderful job of Jakob + MacFarlane transformed a concrete shipping depot originally built in 1907 into a shinny museum of fashion and design. The architects are calling their design a "plug-over" as the new structure is a new external skin that enveloped the existing site on the sides and on top. The roof has also been developed using wooden decks and grassed areas. Read more here.

15. Philharmonie de Paris

Location: 221 Avenue Jean Jaurès ( Google )

Description: This highly controversial project, Paris' newest symphonic concert hall, is the home of Orchestre de Paris . It took a lot longer to build, at almost three times its original budget and, worst of all, on the day of the opening Jean Nouvel wasn't present as he angrily claimed it was "not finished". Though the exterior has received much criticism – aluminium panels in a basketweave design swirl tightly around the structure – the interior has been highly praised. Judge for yourself. Read more here.

16. La Seine Musical

Architect: Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines

Location: Île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt ( Google )

Description: Another structure dedicated to musical affairs – La Seine Musicale – which has received a wildly positive welcome by the general public. The facilities include an elevated egg-shaped auditorium for classical music, a larger modular concert hall, rehearsal rooms and an extensive roof garden. Much of the site's daytime energy needs are supplied by a large mobile curved solar panel array that covers the smaller auditorium. Read more here.

17. Bourse de Commerce / Collection Pinault

Architect: Tadao Ando

Location:2 Rue de Viarmes ( Google )

Year: Opening predicted for spring 2020

Description: François Pinault, who previously teamed up with Tadao Ando to open Venice's Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, commissioned this exciting project which will soon open. Located at the Bourse de Commerce, an 18th-century rotunda that once held the city's grain market and stock exchange, Collection Pinault Paris will host exhibitions from painting, sculpture, photography and video to installations. Ando designed the ambitious interior, where a cylindrical gallery will form the main exhibition space which will be set into the centre of the plan below the building's domed ceiling. Read more here.

18. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Architect: Georges Chedanne and Ferdinand Chanut

Location:40 Boulevard Haussmann ( Google )

Description: The first Galeries Lafayette (the Harrods of France), opened here in 1912. Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn commissioned the architect Georges Chedanne and his pupil Ferdinand Chanut a lavish fashion store with a glass and steel dome and stunning Art Nouveau staircases. More than a century later, the building is still used for the same purpose and its oozing with greatness. Don't miss the amazing views from its rooftop. If you liked this one, you might also want to visit the recently refurbished Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées by BIG (2019). Read more here.

19. Hôtel Guimard

Architect: Hector Guimard

Location: 122 Avenue Mozart ( Google )

Description: This little building is a hidden jewel of the city. It was built as an Art Nouveau house Hector Guimard designed for himself and his wife after visiting the Hôtel Tassel in Brussels, designed by the über famous Victor Horta. Guimard later became known for designing the famous subway entrances (Pasteur, Porte Dauphine…) and also the Castel Béranger door at Rue Jean de la Fontaine which is worth a visit too. Unfortunately, the interiors can't be visited but the original dining room suite can today be seen at the Petit Palais; the bedroom at the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon; and the study at the Musée de l'École de Nancy. Read more here.

20. Les Orgues de Flandre

Architect: Martin van Trek

Location:24 Rue Archereau ( Google )

Description: Paris is full of Brutalist masterpieces but this is, in my opinion, one of the best. The Orgues de Flandre, which can be translated as the "Organs of Flanders", are a group of residential buildings built from 1974 to 1980. What is really outstanding about this complex – and different to other residential houses of this kind around the world – is that Martin van Trek granted the private spaces (the apartments) a monumental status whilst leaving the public spaces in a secondary and more ordinary level. Controversial. Read more here.

21. Les Choux de Créteil

Architect: Gérard Grandval

Location:2 Boulevard Pablo Picasso ( Google )

Description: Another housing project in the suburbs of Paris that is worth a visit: Les Choux de Créteil. This group of ten cylindrical buildings each 15 stories in height is called Les Choux (the cabbages). The project was initiated in 1966, in an area which had been used for a century to produce much of the vegetables for Parisian tables although the name makes reference to the unusual shape of their balconies. The buildings' unique shape is intended to be functional: the apartments' living spaces are closer to the windows and the 2-meter-tall balconies provide outdoor access and privacy at the same time. Read more here.

22. Palace of Versailles

Architect: Louis Le Vau, Andre Le Notre and Charles Lebrun

Location:Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles ( Google )

Description: The site began as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles in 1682. Each of the three French kings who lived there until the French Revolution added improvements to make it more beautiful. Indeed it's one of the most stunning European palaces. This is a classic that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. Read more here.

23. Villa Savoye

Location: 82 Rue de Villiers (Poissy) ( Google )

Description: This may be the one house that every architect knows in the world and with no doubt it is one of the most significant contributions to modern architecture in the 20th century. The house single handedly transformed Le Corbusier’s career as well as the principles of the International Style, becoming one of the most important architectural precedents in history. Originally built as a country retreat on behest of the Savoye family but it now belongs to the French state and therefore it can be visited. In fact, it's free to visit on the 1st Sunday of every month. Read more here.

[BONUS]- Villa Dall'Ava

Architect: Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)

Location:Avenue Clodoald, 92210 Saint-Cloud ( Google )

Description: Although it can't be visited by any means, I felt this house had to be on the list. It was built in 1991 as a modern-expressionist house with two distinct apartments: One for the house owners and another for their daughter. There was an extra request: a swimming pool on the roof with a view of the Eiffel Tower. The strip windows and thin, repeated columns recall Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye. Read more here.

Check these and other amazing buildings of Paris on the map below or download The Free Architecture Guide of Paris .

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 14, 2019.

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Far from the cliché image of the Parisian village, the French capital and its periphery possess a concentration of exceptional contemporary buildings

Catherine Haas Adler

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Paris: new urban planning in paris: around the bibliothèque nationale, paris: grands projets – iconic architecture from kings to presidents, custom tour, happy clients.

Catherine Haas Adler is an architect and a freelance architecture curator and researcher for various cultural institutions in Paris. Catherine has worked in France, Ireland, and in the United States. For five years, she was appointed as a curator at the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, the city architecture center of Paris where she acquired an intimate knowledge of the architectural history of the city. She holds a MA in Cultural Heritage Studies from the University College London, as well as an engineering degree in architecture from the RWTH in Aachen, Germany. She speaks fluent French, English and German.

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About The Tour

Discover the different periods of Paris Architecture with your own guide: from soaring vaults and jewel-like stained glass in the Gothic heart of Paris to the Modernist buildings of Le Corbusier and the like. Your Paris day tour can concentrate on one period or instead show you examples of various architectural movements.

Gothic, first appearing in the North of Paris, became the architectural style of Europe for the next four centuries. Visit the Ile-de-la-Cité, which houses the main masterpieces of Gothic Paris: the famous Notre-Dame cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, the only remains of the Medieval palace of the king.

The Renaissance arrived in Paris in the mid 16th century, with the best examples found in the splendid mansions - “hotels particuliers” - built by the wealthy and aristocratic families in the Marais.

Learn about the making of modern Paris during the 18th and 19th century and the architectural 'revolution' led by Baron Haussmann and his urban planning vision. See the Palais Royal which was Paris's first purpose-built shopping and leisure complex in 1781.

Take a photo by the world famous Paris metro sign, a prime example of Art Nouveau, and visit the 16th arrondissement of Paris with its rich collection of Art Nouveau buildings. The early 20th century saw Paris become a center for the Modernist movement, led by architect, theoretician, and artist, Le Corbusier.

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Architectural tour of Paris’ iconic buildings

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Architectural Tour of Paris’ Iconic Buildings, France

Paris is the marvellous capital of France, where you’ll find a huge collection of architectural masterpieces. It’s a small city and one of the top 10 most visited places in the world. You’ll begin to breathe creativity – if you come to this beautiful place.

Speaking of creativity – apart from being the capital of France, it is also the world heritage capital of architecture. This romantic city has been home to a great treasure trove of structures (dating from different eras) for centuries – which has enthralled every new generation.

But to make the most of your holiday and artistic enlightenment – you need to decide on the organisational aspects. For example, how will you proceed when arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport (the most common destination for tourists)?

After all, Paris, including the airport, is a very densely populated place, where you can get lost, or just fall for the crooks. You can use CDG Paris airport transfers for a comfortable trip – https://atobtransfer.com . And AtoB Paris airport transfer will help you not to think about any problems. Now that you know how to act upon arrival at the airport and get reliable airport transfer, you can proceed to the list of iconic buildings in Paris, which is worth a visit.

At the top of the list is a well-known landmark; one of the biggest and most popular museums in the world, the Louvre. To say that this greatest building has a great history – to say nothing. After all, it’s been around since the Capetian dynasty. (which, for a second, dates back to the 16th century). The Palais du Louvre is a monumental palace complex, shaped like a closed square.

The facades and residence are beautifully decorated with decorative sculptures and antique architectural elements – which is natural to Renaissance culture (in other words, Renaissance culture, when early culture began to connect with the new culture of antiquity). The place is so beloved by the whole world that some tourists take AtoB airport transfer straight from the Charles de Gaulle airport and go straight to the Louvre.

Notre Dame de Paris

The place is not only considered one of the main attractions in the whole of France but also a symbol of Paris. It was built as early as the 1st century A.D., on the west side of the Cité. Before this building became what the 21st century knows it to be today – it had been an ancient Roman altar (dedicated to Jupiter), and then various churches were built in its place several times. But in 1163, the first stone was laid for the construction of the grandiose cathedral by Maurice de Sully (the bishop). You’d be amazed at the beauty and grandeur of Notre Dame de Paris because the money to build it was raised from around the world.

Palace of Versailles

Again, this a classic you hear when you ask, ‘What should I visit in Paris?’ And the answer, the Palace of Versailles, is right. This outstanding architectural monument of the 17th century, today is also a centre of cultural tourism. And all because it is the former residence of French kings and one of the largest and most beautiful European palaces. When people book Paris airport transfer to the place and come for a tour, they learn an interesting fact. It turns out that during the height of the absolute monarchy – this palace became a symbol of immoderate spending of public money. This is what sets this place apart from others on our top list.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

This is an unrealistically beautiful Catholic church that was built in the Roman-Byzantine style with Gothic and Renaissance elements. It was designed by Paul Abadie. It is one of the main cathedrals in France and attracts believers from all over the world. If you decide to come here, it is situated at the highest point of the city (Montmartre Hill). Also, it is worth mentioning the material of this building – travelled stone (in daylight it has a pinkish hue and has the properties of self-cleaning). Its impeccable whiteness is due to contact with water, which leads to a coating of white calcite.

Villa Savoy

For a change of pace, take an airport transfer and visit Villa Savoy. It is located on the outskirts of Pausi and was built in 1929 (hence it belongs to the modern architecture of the 20th century). The building was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier and is considered to be a perfect illustration of how classical principles of architecture were redefined. If you arrive in Paris and visit it, you’ll hear many theorists say that it was the beginning of modern architecture.

Palais de Tokyo

Since we are talking about modern art – you just need to talk about the Palais de Tokyo, built-in 1937. It’s probably the most unique place on our list because it’s not just an international exhibition of art, but also technology. The architects of this beautiful building were J-C Dundee, A. Aubert, P. Viard and M. Dastuig. For the ultimate diversification of your trip to Paris, visit the Palais de Tokyo – after all, it has attracted over 30 million people, who are delighted with its construction.

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Rebuilding Paris

Tour details.

Prices range from €230-€705 (see below).

Make your walk exclusive for a €100 fee.

10 Person Max

Availability

Our walking tours take place rain or shine, and are available every day of the week.

Tour Description

Much of how Paris looks today is due to a vast 19th-century urban renewal project called Haussmannization. Napoleon III wanted Paris to rival the modernity of London, and a planner named Haussmann had the vision to do it. His project was much more than a physical transformation of a medieval city.  It also changed how Parisians lived, worked, shopped, and spent their leisure time.  Entire neighborhoods were destroyed and their residents moved to make way for the stately boulevards that now define modern Paris.  On this walk, you’ll explore the design and architecture of the era, but also understand the economic and political factors behind them.

We begin our walk near the Louvre at the Palais Royal where, 200 years ago, its galleries were a mecca for Parisian society. We then focus on the arcades, the 19th-century forerunners of today’s commercial malls. The sumptuous Empire décor of the Galerie Vivienne makes it one of the most beautiful covered passages in the city. We’ll also visit the Passages Panoramas and Jouffroy. In these glazed and gas-lit emporiums, there emerged a new kind of modern Parisian: the  flâneur , or stroller, someone who (in Walter Benjamin’s phrase) “walks the city in order to experience it.”

We will then turn to the Grands Boulevards, lined with the cafés and theaters that made Paris the cultural capital of the world. After the Opera House by the young architect Charles Garnier, stops at neighboring department stores will bring us into the 20th century. The architectural spectacle of these palaces—the glitzy glass dome of the Galeries Lafayette and the Art Nouveau cupola at Printemps—set a standard for the modern shopping experience. We finish on the rooftop of Printemps, where we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the neighborhood that Haussmann considered the showcase of his New Paris.

If you’d like to reserve this walk in French, please  email us  with your request.

Our cancellation and change policies are  here .

Tour Teaser:    See Paris before Haussmann’s renovations in Charles Marville’s iconic  photographs .

Accessibility

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, travelers will encounter cobblestones and narrow sidewalks. Please tell us about your mobility needs when booking online.

Architecture Tour of Haussmann Paris

My friend and I took the walking architecture tour with Julien as our guide. We started at the Palais Royale and walked through covered passages up to the Haussmann era Opera and Galeries Lafayette. He discussed Paris’ past and present and we learned so very much. He tailored it to our tastes. We even made it to the rooftop of Printemps. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect afternoon.

Jill S Irvine, CA

Highest Recommendation for Tour Guide Julien and Haussmann Tour!

Julien gave us an overview of his Haussmann tour and beautifully managed our expectations. As a resident Parisian he clearly loves the city and knows it well. There was no question he couldn’t answer, he was so knowledgeable! With an engaging personality and perfect French and mastery of English your Paris trip would not be complete without having a walking tour with Julien!

Stockholm2295 San Francisco, CA

The Insights that “Canned” Tours Lack

More information, insight, historical perspective and amusing anecdota than one could ever, ever receive in the same amount of time by ‘reading up’ on the subject or taking the ‘canned’ tour. These tours are an opportunity to view beloved art with someone who has the education and the intelligence to give thoughtful, informed responses. I hope to do this again, and again, and again. What fun!

Roberta Kendall Chicago

Guides Who Lead This Tour

Julien Savadoux

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Art Nouveau architecture in Paris: self-guided walks

• Post date December 6, 2022
• Post categories In Cultural Travel , France , Paris

Where are the best places to see Art Nouveau architecture in Paris ?

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On my last trip to Paris , I got a chance to explore some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the city.

Paris has a great collection of flamboyant and whimsical Art Nouveau buildings.

These Art Nouveau buildings are quite unique in the general landscape of Parisian architecture.

In this guide you’ll find:

• The history of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris
• The most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Paris
• The most celebrated Art Nouveau architects
• Two easy self-guided walks in the districts of Paris where you can see plenty of Art Nouveau gems. Get a map of the self-guided walks .

A brief history of 19th-century parisian architecture

As you walk around Paris you will notice that most buildings are designed in a uniform style, also known as the Haussmannian style.

Georges-Eugène Haussmann was the urban planner who, back in the 19th century, redesigned the city of Paris and is very much responsible for the way many parts of the city look to this day.

Paris used to have narrow streets with little light or air. Haussmann’s vision for the city was of wide streets and boulevards, parks, squares and large and elegant modern buildings.

The beige stone facades with wrought iron balconies and chimneys on every rooftop you can see all around in Paris are the trademarks of the Haussmannian style.

Strict regulations were put in place to ensure the uniformity of these exteriors.

However, around 1880 there was a need for change, and the local government encouraged that change through competition for the most beautiful facade and by relaxing the uniformity rules.

That was when new designs started to appear. Thischange coincided with the emergence of Art Nouveau in Europe, and architects experienced a burst of creativity, resulting in hundreds of buildings in the Art Nouveau style.

The two most notable Art Nouveau architects in Paris were Hector Guimard and Jules Lavirotte. Many of the city’s best Art Nouveau examples carry their signatures.

What is Art Nouveau architecture?

At the turn of the 20th century, the movement known as Art Nouveau was born in various places in Europe and soon spread across the ocean as well.

The most typical elements of the Art Nouveau style are fluid, whiplash curves, creative ironwork and elaborate decorations inspired by nature.

Some Art Nouveau buildings also feature stucco decorations, stained glass windows and intentional asymmetry.

Here’s a great video about the history of Art Nouveau:

Famous art nouveau buildings in paris

Before we start our self-guided walks, here are some of the most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Paris worth seeing while you’re visiting the city.

Galeries lafayette haussmann

This upmarket department store has the most magnificent dome.

Walk inside the Coupole building of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann to see it in the great hall and climb up to the upper floors for even more stunning views.

This ceiling dates back to 1912. It was designed and decorated in the Art Nouveau style of that era by Édouard Schenck, Jacques Grüber and Louis Majorelle.

It is worth a visit, even if you’re not planning to go shopping. It’s also right next to the opera house (Palais Garnier), which I also recommend you visit while you’re in Paris.

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris

La samaritaine

Another very impressive department store in Paris that’s worth a visit is La Samaritaine.

The magical glass roof, the gorgeous staircase and the delightful wall painting on the top floor, all make it a true architectural gem.

You want to climb up to the 5th floor for the best view. When I took the elevator going up, everyone else in the elevator was holding a camera too…

La Samaritaine was designed by architect Frantz Jourdain and is listed as a historical monument.

It is in a very central location, by the Seine river, close to Pont Neuf and Rue de Rivoli.

Address: 9 rue de la Monnaie 75001 Paris

Hotel elysees ceramic

The Ceramic Hotel close to the Arc de Triomphe is another unique Art Nouveau building in Paris.

This is a building by architect Jules Lavirotte from 1904 and it features the typical Art Nouveau characteristics we’ll see in the self-guided tours below.

It also features a pretty extraordinary use of ceramics throughout the facade, which gave the building its name.

Address: 34 Avenue de Wagram, Paris

Self-guided walks of art nouveau architecture in paris

Below are two short self-guided tours exploring Art Nouveau in Paris.

If you prefer a guided tour, this tour covers more locations with a professional guide.

These self-guided walks take you to two of the main hubs of Art Nouveau in Paris.

The buildings in each of these are all within walking distance of each other.

You can easily take both walks on the same day. The first part is in the 7th arrondissement (not far from the Eiffel Tower) and the second part is in the 16th arrondissement.

Lavirotte building – paris art nouveau gem and nearby buildings

The 7th arrondissement has some wonderful Parisian Art Nouveau architecture.

Lavirotte building (immeuble lavirotte)

The Lavirotte Building on 29 Av. Rapp is a richly decorated house and is a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris.

It’s asymmetrical, like many Art Nouveau buildings, and has faces, flowers, animals and various shapes creatively decorating its magnificent facade.

I took my time examining this facade and taking as many pictures as I could. While I was there at least 5 or 6 other people came by to do the same.

Art nouveau on rue sedillot

Sedillot street is a very short walk from Lavirotte Building. The entire street is full of beautiful buildings, but the one at number 12 Rue Sedillot stands out.

It is another building designed by Lavirotte, built in 1899. Today it is home to an Italian college called Leonardo Da Vinci.

It has all the trademark Art Nouveau characteristics that make it a great work of art: You’ll notice the asymmetrical design, the elegant curves and the use of iron railings. The decorations around the windows are especially exuberant.

Art nouveau on rue de grenelle

A short walk from Rue Sedillot is another Art Nouveau building worth exploring.

When you reach 151 Rue de Grenelle, you’ll see a beautifully elegant facade from 1898.

This house is slightly more modest compared to the other two we’ve seen so far. That’s probably because it was the first building by Lavirotte in Paris. However, his style became more elaborate fairly soon after that.

Art Nouveau is often described as whimsical and if you walk up to the wooden and wrought iron front door of this building, you’ll see it is decorated with two lizards on the door handles.

La maison des arums

The next stop on this part of the tour is at 33 Rue du Champ de Mars.

Architect Octave Raquin designed this gorgeous building in or around the year 1900.

Thanks to its elaborate carved stone floral decorations, it has been nicknamed the House of Lilies (La Maison des Arums)

Take your time appreciating all the graceful details of this facade.

Paris art nouveau architecture walk around rue jean de la fontaine

The second part of this Paris Art Nouveau tour takes place in the 16th arrondissement.

To reach the first stop, you can use public transport ( planner ) or walk for about 30 minutes from 33 Rue du Champ de Mars to 14 Rue Jean de la Fontaine.

Castel béranger

The first stop in this part of the tour is an iconic Parisian Art Nouveau building called Castel Béranger, on 14 Rue Jean de la Fontaine.

This is a creation by Hector Guimard, the architect also famous for designing the classic Paris metro station.

Completed in 1898, this building won a competition for the most beautiful facade in Paris and is now classified as a Historical Monument in France.

The Castel Béranger is probably its most prominent feature, but the entire facade has plenty of ornaments and details to observe.

Rue agar and café antoine

As you continue along you’ll reach Café Antoine on the corner of Rue Agar.

Rue Agar has a beautiful residential complex designed by architect Hector Guimard.

In 1911 it was named “Modern Street”, as the Art Nouveau design represented the spirit of the time.

You’ll notice some of the typical Art Nouveau features, like the iron balconies, the use of curves and elegantly decorated doors and windows all along this little street.

Café Antoine on the street corner is another authentic Art Nouveau gem designed by Guimard.

Immeuble trémois

Continue walking on rue Jean de la Fontaine till you reach Rue François Millet.

There at number 11, you’ll find the lovely curved facade of the Trémois building, another Art Nouveau residential house by Guimard.

Hôtel mezzara

Our next stop is another Guimard creation, at 60 Rue Jean de la Fontaine. You will easily recognise the Guimard style we saw on the previous stops on this tour.

Hôtel Mezzara dates back to 1910-1911 and was originally built as a family home for French textile industrialist Paul Mezzara.

The interior is also very beautiful, but unfortunately, it was closed when I visited. I later found out that the place is normally closed to the public. You can still see pictures of the interior online.

Hôtel jassedé

The last stop in this part of the tour is a bit farther away on 41 Rue Chardon Lagache.

Hôtel Jassedé is also a Guimard building, but you may not notice that right away.

This residential home from 1893 was one of his first works.

It is not a typical Art Nouveau building, though it already has some of the characteristics indicative of the architect’s future style, like the asymmetrical facade.

One of the remarkable things about this building is the liberty that the architect had in playing with various materials, including carved stone, ceramics and bricks.

This freedom is a sign of the post-Haussmann era, when Parisian facades no longer had to maintain a uniform appearance.

Right next to Hôtel Jassedé, you can see Villa de la Reunion, a private home with a more typical Art Nouveau design, also by Guimard.

Paris art nouveau guided tours

To see more Parisian Art Nouveau, you can take a guided tour with a professional guide. Here are some options:

Art Nouveau and Art Deco tour – This small group tour covers the 8th and 9th arrondissements near the opera.

Paris Art Nouveau Walking Tour – This is a good option if your prefer a private tour.

Other great places to see Art Nouveau in Europe

More paris travel guides and tours.

• Free tours in Paris
• Street art in Belleville
• The most popular attractions in Paris

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• Top 10 of modern and contemporary architecture in Paris Region
• Inspiration
• Top experiences

Their collections are priceless and people come from all over the world to admire them. But these emblematic buildings of avant-garde design and aesthetics, imagined by the greatest architects, Le Corbusier, Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry … also deserve to be admired from the outside.

Here is a brief overview of these remarkable modern and contemporary architectures of the 20th and 21st centuries . Archi-photogenic, they have everything you need to feed your Facebook and Instagram accounts. From the Louis Vuitton Foundation to the Philharmonie de Paris , from the Villa Savoye to the Louvre Pyramid … embark on an architectural tour of Paris and its region !

Fondation Louis Vuitton

A strange, ship-like structure, decorated with 12 monumental glass stars, planted in a prime location in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne . Welcome to the Fondation Louis Vuitton . Frank Gehry’s building is a masterpiece of lightness and transparency, completely unique in its concept and aesthetic. Though the Fondation is recognised for its rich programme of cultural events , it is worth a visit purely to admire the architecture. From its various terraces , you can enjoy an extraordinary view of Paris and its outskirts.

Centre Pompidou

With its enormous coloured pipes and external escalators, the Centre Pompidou is the most recognisable landmark of them all. Located in the lively Marais neighbourhood, at the heart of historic Paris, this building, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers over 40 years ago, was long considered a UFO in the Paris landscape, before rightly coming to be considered as a modern architectural marvel. It is home to the Musée National d’Art Moderne and its collection of priceless 20th- and 21st-century art. Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the terrace on the 6th floor.

Things to do at the Centre Pompidou

Villa savoye.

Visit Poissy , to the west of Paris, to discover an astonishing white structure with pure, simple lines that appears to be standing on stilts in the middle of its one-hectare grounds. Built between 1928 and 1931 by Le Corbusier , one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, villa Savoye , with its pilotis, wide windows and roof terrace, is like a manifesto for modern architecture . This architectural gem is a Unesco World Heritage Site !

The Louvre Pyramid

Inaugurated in 1989 as a new entrance to the museum , the Louvre Pyramid by Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei quickly became a landmark in its own right. Made up of 673 glass panels, it has the same proportions as the Great Pyramid of Giza , and the shape is an apt choice given the museum’s remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian pieces. An inverted pyramid can also be found in the underground shopping mall, the Carrousel du Louvre !

Things to do at the Louvre Museum

Seine musicale.

To the west of Paris, at the foot of the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud , lies the new cultural hub that is the Seine Musicale . Like a towering ocean liner, the building’s shape perfectly mirrors that of the downstream tip of the Île Séguin , the island on which it stands. Designed by famous duo Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines , to whom we also owe the Centre Pompidou – Metz , the building is topped with an iconic “egg” which houses its auditorium. That sphere, with its glass-covered wooden frame, is paired with a “sail” made up of over 1,000 m² of photovoltaic panels, which pivots according to the position of the sun.

Things to do at the Seine Musicale

Philharmonie de paris.

World-renowned architect Jean Nouvel is the man behind this futuristic building in the La Villette Park , which has become one of the temples of the Paris music scene . This silver, metallic-looking cathedral of the arts, covered with 340,000 aluminium birds, is home to a concert venue with remarkable acoustics. Don’t miss the panoramic view over Paris and the surrounding region from the top.

Arab World Institute

Opposite Notre-Dame and the Ile Saint-Louis , the glass and steel curves of the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) stretch out along the Seine . A modern architectural symbol of the dialogue between Western culture and the Arab world, designed by Jean Nouvel, Architecture Studio, Gilbert Lèzenes and Pierre Soria , it reproduces the defining features of classical Islamic architecture , with nods to the greatest structures in the Arab world. The mashrabiyas of the main façade are iconic.

Grande Arche of La Défense

La Grande Arche , erected by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen to mark the bicentenary of the French Revolution, towers over the bustling district of La Défense . It adds a modern touch to the line of great Parisian landmarks that begins at the Louvre and follows the Champs Elysées to the west, taking in the Arcs de Triomphe on Place de l’Etoile and its sister arch at the Carrousel du Louvre . The roof of the Grande Arche is home to a restaurant and offers a peerless view over the French capital.

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac

Concealed by the dense vegetation of its gardens, the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac , just next to the Eiffel Tower , is a true gem of contemporary architecture. Perched on stilts on the banks of the Seine , the building resembles a long bridge encrusted with multicoloured boxes. Designed by Jean Nouvel to provide a showcase for the art and civilisations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas , its shape mirrors its vocation as a builder of bridges between cultures.

Things to do at the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac

The Canopy of Les Halles

Replacing the old Willerval pavilions, the Canopée des Halles has transformed the heart of Paris . Architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti took their inspiration for this steel roof from the curved shapes of the trees in a forest canopy. The structure shelters the Westfield Forum des Halles as well as cultural facilities such as hip hop centre La Place . Like a gigantic undulating leaf, 18,000 glass panels let the daylight in, serving as a link between the city below and the city above.

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Project Description

Paris – art deco.

Languages available:  EN ES FR

Customizable tour:  Yes

Recommended group size per guide: 25

Duration: 4 hours

DESCRIPTION – Paris: Art Deco

In this architecture tour we will discover the Art Deco movement in Paris. Town planners have always undertaken Paris as a city made of monumental buildings. During the 1930’s , the Art Deco style movement went that way, offering elegant ornaments, purity of lines and palatial size to the architecture.

From palaces to palaces, this walk will made this great adventure of Art Deco alived. Born at the Art Decorative Exhibition of Paris in 1925 , it ended with the apotheosis of the Art and Techniques Exhibition of Paris in 1937 .

At that time, architects, for the most part, unknown, competed to win competitions that opened the way to express their believes on technic and modernity. Today the Art Deco District of Paris hosts the main cultural institutions of the city.

During our walk we will see the Champs-Elysées Theater , Tokyo Palac e and the Chaillot Palace .

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Paris – The Cité De l’architecture et du patrimoine: The Best Of French Architecture

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Paris – Contemporary architecture in the center of Paris

Paris – Art Deco

Place Vendôme district, the Parisian Classicism style

Paris – The Champs-Élysées, the main avenue of Paris

Paris – Art Nouveau

Paris – Around Montsouris Park: the artist studios from the 1920s

Paris – Les Batignolles, how to build a new eco-district in Paris?

Paris – Les Marais and its French Mansions: Aristocratic Residences between courts and gardens

Paris: La Défense: how to create a business district for Paris?

Paris: Modern Architecture: Le Corbusier

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