
While strolling through the 16th arrondissement, you may come across one of Paris’s earliest Art Nouveau landmarks. At 14 rue Fontaine stands a building unlike any other, in stark contrast to the other buildings on the street. We’re talking, of course, about Castel Béranger, its facade and, above all, its magnificent front door, which alone makes its reputation.
Castel Béranger: the Art Nouveau symbol of the 16th arrondissement
The capital’s Art Nouveau treasures include the Lavirotte building, the Samaritaine, most Parisian bouillons and the famous Guimard aedicules. Today, we turn our attention to one of the architect’s finest works in Paris, the magnificent Castel Béranger. Built in the last decade of the 19th century, it was one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in Paris.
Bold curves, arabesques, new materials and colors: these are the hallmarks of the boldness of Hector Guimard and the Art Nouveau movement in general. These were also the attributes that made the Castel Béranger, seen at the time as a jewel of modernity. It was a direct success from the moment it was completed in 1898, as evidenced by the first prize for the most beautiful facade in Paris awarded that year.
The façade features a mix of materials (brick, stone, metal) and colors ranging from ochre to pastel green. Unheard of at the time, Guimard was even called crazy! And what can we say about the beautiful ironwork on the balconies and, above all, this extraordinary entrance door? A singular, eye-catching curiosity!
All in all, a real UFO that will catch the eye of everyone, even those who don’t have a passion for architecture. If you’re out and about in the 16th arrondissement, this is a must-see!
Castel Béranger – 14, rue de la Fontaine, 75016