Lavirotte Building
Ce point d’intérêt est disponible en audio dans le circuit: Visit Paris, On the Champs Elysées
Take a moment to admire the beautiful façade of the Lavirotte Building. Art Nouveau, a short-lived yet influencial artistic movement, flourished between the 19th and 20th centuries, lasting but 30 years. It breathed new life into cities worldwide, infusing them with a sense of lightness and boundless creativity. Art Nouveau is all about embracing soft curves, drawing inspiration from nature and giving free rein to the imagination. The Lavirotte Building is a prime example. Its façade was voted the most beautiful in Paris at its inauguration in 1901. This romantic yet exuberant work is well worth a look and is sure to put a smile on your face with its suggestive decor. Architect Lavirotte was inspired by Gaudi’s work in Barcelona and worked with ceramist Alexandre Bigot, who truly went all out. Paris had never seen such mosaics and moldings! It’s no wonder then that the building has been listed as a historical monument since 1964, and has been labeled a 20th-century heritage site by the French government. The iconic Paris metro station entrances, designed by Hector Guimard, are yet another great example of Art Nouveau. This French architect, born in Lyon at the end of the 19th century, was to meet Victor Horta, the driving force behind Art Nouveau in Belgium, and develop a passion for this new way of seeing the world. Today, he’s considered the leading exponent of Art Nouveau in France, having created the very first Parisian subway entrances, easily recognizable by their wrought-iron cladding. Feel free to stop and take a closer look when you come across them. The ones with glass roofs are truly stunning. Fun fact: there are only 3 left. If you care to see them, head for the Porte Dauphine, Place des Abbesses and Châtelet stations.
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