The different styles of Parisian buildings
In fact, nearly 60% of Parisian buildings were erected in this style between 1850 and 1914! Let's discover together all the styles of architecture that you can observe during a stroll in Paris.
The Empire Style (1800-1815)
) The oldest buildings in Paris are in the Empire style and date from the reign of Napoleon 1st. This architectural style draws its inspiration from the great Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations. Rue de Rivoli is the perfect example with:
- Semicircular Windows and Gates
- A decoration with moldings
- Facades Cut by Horizontal Bands to Separate the Steps
- Spinning balconies.
The Restoration Style 1815-1830
Then, the Restoration style under the reigns of Louis XVIII and his brother Charles X was characterized by a slowdown in the construction of luxurious housing in favor of popular housing. So we can see a more refined style:
- Parisian buildings of 4 to 5 floors
- Flat and Unadorned Facades
- Rectangular Windows with Stone Frames
- Wrought Iron Shutters and Balconies
- Windows Closer Together.
Parisian Haussmann buildings (1850-1914)
Napoleon III decided to clean up and unclog Paris by appointing Haussmann responsible for this monumental project. Some neighborhoods were then razed to build these Haussmannian apartments with high ceilings on the ground floors to house shops with a first floor of housing and:
- a “noble” second floor;
- richer balconies and frames;
- top floor used as Attics or Service Apartments;
- Facade built in Ashlar, dated and signed by the architect.
The Post-Haussmann style (1870-1895)
The establishment of the Third Republic was a turbulent period, and Paris was still in its Haussmannian construction movement. This style is evolving towards more simplicity, with forms that are really useful to the structure of the building: fewer pediments, more discretion for canopies and consoles, the appearance of facades inspired by the Renaissance, corners that are rounded, corners that are rounded, projections that gain in depth, etc.
The Art Nouveau style (1895-1914)
In the early 1890s, Art Nouveau was described as the “noodle style” because of the arabesques on straight lines. Among the most representative buildings in Paris, we find the Castel Béranger building (rue Jean de la Fontaine). This new style frees architects from restrictive regulations, with:
- An Omnipresence of Curves
- ornamentations with precise features and detailed decorations;
- decorations such as flowers, plants or animals; a mixture of colored materials;
- Wrought iron glass doors.
The Art Deco style (1920-1930)
The Art Deco style is the world's first architecture-decoration movement, and it is opposed to the volutes and organic forms of Art Nouveau. The characteristic elements of this style of Parisian buildings:
- reinforced concrete, ashlar or brick facades;
- simple, geometric decorations;
- frequent presence of bow windows;
- railings, balconies, and wrought iron glass doors;
- Presence of Patterns in Low Relief or Ironwork
The architecture of the thirties (1930-1939)
After the 1929 crisis, France reduced construction costs and favoured the use of reinforced concrete. We chose to simplify building facades, remove ornaments and limit curves. Practice then takes precedence over aesthetics:
- facades with parallel planes and right angles;
- social housing from the interwar period;
- Cheap homes.
The Glorious Thirty (1946-1976)
Since the Second World War destroyed or damaged more than 450,000 people in France, the housing shortage must be overcome through a vast reconstruction plan, during which time many towers and building blocks were created. These Parisian buildings are recognizable thanks to:
- the massive use of concrete;
- A simple and uniform architecture; a clear break with the rest of the urban fabric;
- Flat roofs such as roof terraces.
Knowing the year a building was built is essential to plan to buy an apartment in Paris. In addition, some Parisian buildings have more charm than others, it all depends on your tastes! At Tell me about Paris, our property hunters know the characteristics of each architectural style to meet your aesthetic, but also practical expectations.
Learn more:
After several months of research (in a very targeted neighborhood), I decided to call on Parlez moi de Paris to get out of this spiral of visits that were not successful. An investment that proved to be very effective since I made an offer at the end of the 5th visit.
Great experience with Parlez moi de Paris. Patrick is a professional who accompanies his clients very well in the search for their future place to live. Very attentive, he creates a favourable environment that encourages exchanges with the various stakeholders.
We have established a partnership with Parlez moi de Paris for all the acquisition searches in Paris of our clients that we cannot support. I guarantee the seriousness, the sympathy and the expertise of Patrick and his teams. The research mission is carried out with efficiency and kindness. I recommend.
Let's discuss together