Haussmann Architecture Tour: the Making of Iconic Paris

On this three-hour tour, we'll explore how the face of Paris was completely changed by 18th-century city prefect Baron Haussmann and explain why the city looks the way it does. Guided by an architectural historian, we’ll discuss the urban planning revolution Haussmann engineered by restructuring entire neighborhoods and creating many wide avenues in the place of narrow, twisting streets.

We’ll begin our discussion at the Palais Royal, which was constructed in 1781 by Louis-Phillipe d'Orléans, Duc de Chartres, as the city's first purpose-built shopping and leisure complex. Today a charming oasis of calm, Palais Royal caused a sensation when it opened, revolutionizing shopping in a city whose narrow, congested, medieval streets were a danger to any pedestrian foolish enough to set foot in them. Palais Royal was also the site of the city's first covered passage, or shopping arcade, which we’ll discuss as we wander through some of the surviving ones. (Note: Visitors who would actually like to shop should take a look at our Paris Shopping Tour.)

From here, we'll emerge into modern Paris, stepping out onto one of the wide, straight-as-an-arrow grands boulevards created during the Second Empire (late 1800s) by Napoleon III and Haussmann. We'll discuss how Haussmann's boulevards were modeled on those created by Louis XIV in the 17th century, and how the rise of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century led to Napoleon III's radical rebuilding of Paris. Moving on, we'll find ourselves in front of what is perhaps the most iconic example of Second Empire urbanism, the Opéra Garnier. Completed in 1875, the Opéra is the jewel in the crown of Parisian Beaux Arts architecture. We will explore the exterior of the building in detail, placing it in context of the architectural movements of the day. Depending on time and interest, we may also visit one of the late 19th-century department stores, Printemps or Galeries Lafayette, or even the Société Generale bank building to explore art-nouveau glass domes.

For those interested in modern Parisian architecture, we suggest our Modernist Paris Architecture Tour.

Is this seminar walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover extensive territory on this seminar. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this seminar will be appropriate for you, and can also design a private, customized tour for visitors with mobility concerns.

Will we visit the interior of the Opera Garnier on this walk?
We will not visit the interior of the Opera, though we will certainly spend concerted time outside discussing the importance of the site. We may be able to arrange an interior visit on a private walk; please contact us for more details.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near the Palais Royal in the first arrondissement. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24/7 phone number. The walk typically ends near the Opéra Garnier and Grands Boulevards.

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.