We spent a wonderful morning with Jacob. His depth of knowledge and love of architectural history is immense. And, he’s a great teacher. On every block, he revealed secrets and showed us aspects of the buildings that we would never have seen on our own. Our newly-gained knowledge will make all of our walks around the streets of Paris more interesting. If you have even a modest interest in post-Hausmann architecture in Paris, Jacob is your guy!
Paris Architecture Tour: Guimard to Le Corbusier
Visualize how modern architects reimagined Paris through design
The Finer Details
The first decades of the 20th century saw Paris become the epicenter of experimentation in art, architecture, and design. In architecture, in particular, cultural dissonance between the past and new realities emerged in the architectural designs of Le Corbusier and Robert Mallet-Stevens, among others. During this 3-hour Paris architecture tour, you will join a practicing architect or architectural historian to explore the aesthetics of the Modernist movement. This tour will take place in the city's 16th arrondissement and include aspects of the Art Nouveau and Art Déco movements, as well as the Villa La Roche & Maison Jeanneret by Le Corbusier
Paris Art Nouveau and Art Déco Tour
Known for its affluent residents and iconic landmarks like Palais Galliera, it's easy to overlook the 16th arrondissement's third draw: its Modernist architecture. This quiet neighborhood is home to the city's unusually rich collection of works designed by the top architects of this period. Your tour will begin at the Palais de Chaillot, taking in the scope of Carlu, Boileau, and Azéma's joint vision. This sleek, late 1930s, modernist reimagining of the original Trocadero Palace, initially built for the 1878 World's Fair, opens the conversation and helps to define Modernism in contrast to the popular Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Art Déco.
"The concept was novel. We often visit Paris, but we were unaware of its rich collection of modernist architecture! It was thrilling to see Hector Guimard's work and Le Corbusier's workshop.' It was as if we were seeing Paris for the first time."
Moving on from this initial large-scale example, you will continue your exploration by discovering its foundations in Art Nouveau. Here, you will take note of a series of buildings designed by architect Hector Guimard, as well as his famous Paris métro signs, whose lingering presence has contributed to shaping the city's aesthetic. These works will give you a sense of the early triumphs of the period and reveal the distinct departure from the revival style popular in the 19th century.
Le Corbusier & Mallet-Stevens
Following your examination of Guimard's contributions, you will work your way to the Villa La Roche & Maison Jeanneret, which were designed by Le Corbusier and now form the home of the Fondation Le Corbusier. Here, you will discuss the architect's profound influence on Parisian architecture, as well as European and American Modernism. You may discuss his proposed contributions to city planning, which he called Ville Contemporaine, or his controversial Plan Voisin, which suggested replacing much of central Paris with modern skyscrapers.
Complementing Le Corbusier's modern vision, you will continue on to view several structures designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the mid-1920s on the street to which he gave his name. Striking for their streamlined, boxy design, these buildings stood out from the rest of the city's heavily Haussmannian aesthetic. To learn more about Baron von Haussmann and the remaking of Paris in the 19th century, try our Haussmann Architecture tour.
Lingering Impact
As your walk comes to a close, you will reflect upon the hidden structures you've uncovered and come away with an understanding of how these designs set the stage for contemporary architecture.
FAQ
Is this seminar walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover extensive territory on this tour, some of it by public transport. Additionally, some of the sites we visit are not entirely accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you, and can also discuss possible adjustments for visitors with mobility concerns.
We do cover extensive territory on this tour, some of it by public transport. Additionally, some of the sites we visit are not entirely accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you, and can also discuss possible adjustments for visitors with mobility concerns.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Eiffel Tower (exterior only)Iron lattice tower in Paris and iconic symbol of the city’s architectural innovation.
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Palais de Chaillot
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Fondation Le Corbusier / Maison La Roche
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Rebecca and I had a wonderful time visiting deco and later modernist architecture around Paris. It was educational and so much fun. Rebecca obviously is an expert in her field, and I feel fortunate to have learned so much from her .I highly recommend the tour!
We learned so much from Marine about Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture. Her passion for the subject was evident. The tour also gave us the opportunity to explore a neighborhood we wouldn’t normally have seen. Great tour!
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
