“Art nouveau” means “new art” in English. This style was in vogue in Paris at the very end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.

Its source of inspiration was especially natural elements such as flowers and plants which became decorative elements for architects and furniture-makers. It was supposed to please everyone, and to attract the largest public audience possible.

There are “art nouveau” elements that you will inevitably see during your stay in Paris, as the majority of metro entrances are part of this artistic movement. Most of them are quite simple, but the Abbesses station is a very special one, as it has a roof on it.

Art nouveau in Paris
The Abbesses station in Montmartre

Some big cafés, restaurants and shops built in the early 1900’s are made in the Art nouveau style, with curved shapes and rotundas. Do not miss the Zara shop on the 140th of Rennes street (6th district), with its wonderful balconies.

If you have a big budget, reserve a table in Maxim’s restaurant in the 1st district of Paris: some huge parties were organized during the Belle époque, and some very modern ones take place there now. The French dressmaker Pierre Cardin was a fan of this place.

shops
A shop in Rennes street, La Samaritaine, department store near Pont Neuf in the 1st district of Paris; Maxim’s restaurant

In the 16th district of Paris, you will find a lot works of art nouveau made by the architect Guimard: have a look on his first masterpiece, the “Castel Béranger”, in Jean de la Fontaine street. I especially like its door in wrought iron, with motives of leaves.

The “New art” architects also tried to resolve housing problems when the population was rapidly increasing, by making some large balconies and terraces established in a way that the diseases such as tuberculosis could not circulate between the floors.

It is the case on the building of the 26th of Vavin Street, in the 6th district. As everything is good with Art nouveau, do not forget to admire it!

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Also check this
Discover the Best Tours in Paris with Local Guides. Check Paris Walking Tours
We run free tours: Montmartre walking tour and Trendy Marais Tour are our best sellers. Free walking tours in Paris