[Learn] Paris Through the Ages: Architecture

View from the Arc de Triomphe picturing Haussman's wide tree-lined boulevards.

The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur (1874–1916) by Paul Abadie

Paris’s buildings have a distinctive look. On a walk through Paris, the large boulevards and tiny side-streets are lined with cream-colored buildings made of local Lutetian limestone. They may all appear similar, but a closer look reveals centuries of history. 

It is not uncommon to find age-old buildings or churches tucked between newer constructions. In fact, Paris has remarkable pieces of architecture from every period since the Middle Ages. This preservation of history is one of the many reasons why Paris is one of the most beloved cities in the world.

From a historical standpoint, Paris can be divided into four architectural periods: Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Classical. 

Long before it developed its own distinctive appearance, the city of Paris borrowed from the Romans. Characterized by symmetrical, uniform buildings and columns, Roman buildings were imposing and majestic. When Paris entered the Medieval period, it had no city layout plans. As a result, buildings were erected chaotically, and the streets grew maze-like and disorderly. When the Renaissance period came around, Paris borrowed its style from the Italian Renaissance (a revival and reshaping of ancient Greek and Roman culture). This meant more uniform design. 

Panthéon modeled after Rome's. An example of neoclassical architecture.

It wasn’t until the 1600s and 1700s - during the rule of Louis the XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV - that Paris developed its own flair. Singularity and elegance were added the to the uniformity to give rise to the French Baroque, a classic Parisian look celebrated today. 

As for the heart of Paris, the look is much attributed to Baron Haussman’s renovation of Paris in the mid 1800s to early 1900s. Commissioned by Napoleon III to breathe air and space into the overcrowded and unhealthy medieval neighborhoods, Haussman created the wide, tree-lined boulevards, annexed the suburbs around Paris, and created new parks and squares. Furthermore, before he was commissioned, most buildings were made of the brick or wood and covered in plaster. Under Haussman's direction, buildings were required to be built from Lutetian limestone.

View of Avenue de l'Opéra towards the Louve from Palais Garnier.
Both opera and avenue were constructed during Haussman's renovation.

Until next time,

Sherry