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Paris Architecture Tour

My friend and I are spending a week in Paris in June. Though neither of us are architects, we love tours that focus on it. Does anyone have a tour that they have taken that focuses on Paris, both new and old, architecture?

Posted by
13809 posts

Here is a link to a short DIY walk of Art Nouveau in the 7th featuring facades by Jules Lavirotte.

https://www.parisperfect.com/blog/2011/03/art-nouveau-7th-arrondissement/

There are a couple more addresses on this Wiki entry for Jules Lavirotte on Rue du Grenelle that you could add in as well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Lavirotte

Here also is a replay of a live walk by Corey Frye, A French Frye in Paris who started this walk by the building on Square Rapp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAY8vsAbpFs

I realize you are probably wanting a structured, formal tour but if you will be in the Eiffel Tower area these buildings are just a block or so away from the Champ de Mars so very easy to work in walking by them.

Posted by
469 posts

Thanks so much Pam. This is a definate possibility even if we find a formal tour.

Posted by
4137 posts

Pam's list is perfect ! I have visited most of the Lavirotte sights on past visits , and highly recommend them . I am a lover of Art Nouveau , and seek out any incarnation of the style I can find in any country ( Nancy , in The Lorraine , is a particular treasure trove ) While in Paris , you can seek out Beaux Arts architecture ( notable , is The Palais Garnier , the old Paris Opera ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_Garnier#Main_fa%C3%A7ade . Belle - Epoque examples , are also a must - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_architecture_of_the_Belle_%C3%89poque Read and prepare , ahead of your visit , and armed with that information , you will be able to see more .and in greater depth , than would be available with a tour .

Posted by
374 posts

I’ve done a self-guided walking tour of Art Nouveau buildings that was wonderful. I’ve also done a Paris Greeters walk in which I specified I wanted to focus on architecture — I ended up being matched with a retired architect who took me around the 14th arr. where I was staying - it was excellent!

Posted by
806 posts

@Steven - the Carnavalet has an entire pharmacy in that style, absolutely beautiful!

Posted by
469 posts

Thank you all for the ideas. And the store in the Carnavalet is amazing looking.

Posted by
806 posts

@steven - yes, that one! i thought it was a Pharmacy not a Jewelry shop but regardless, it was gorgeous!

Posted by
13809 posts

Oh, I just thought of something else when I read Steven's post! Depending on where you are staying (and I will thoroughly question you on Saturday at our meet-up, lol) you could also have a meal or go for happy hour to La Coupole in the Montparnasse area. It's interior is pure Art Deco.

https://www.lacoupole-paris.com/en/

Carnavalet is wonderful although it's very easy to get turned around in there even after their reno. You'll need timed entry reservations but the museum itself is a City of Paris museum and therefore free. Closed on Mondays. And yes, that jewelry shop is wonderful! I love the stained glass panels in there.

Shelly, do you remember where you found the self-guiding tour or did you just put it together yourselves? Always interested!