Art Nouveau Architecture in Paris: Self-Guided Walks, Paris, France

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

There are many of them, but you need to know where to find them. These Art Nouveau buildings are quite unique in the general landscape of Parisian architecture.

This guide takes you through the history of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris, the most famous Art Nouveau buildings, the most celebrated Art Nouveau architects and finally two easy self-guided walks in the districts of Paris where you can find plenty of Art Nouveau gems.

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. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).