Sometimes you just have to look up to discover new things in Paris. Trompe-l’oeil designs grace the streets of Paris with elegance and poetry, without always being noticed. The first attempts at this pictorial genre can be traced back to Ancient Greece. He dressed the most prestigious churches and residences before decorating their exteriors. In Paris, you’ll find some very fine trompe-l’oeil, which you can admire all year round.
The Saint-Georges theater, with its astonishing architectural trompe-l’oeil
At first glance, one might think that this charming theater in the 9ᵉ arrondissement would indeed have windows. And yet it’s all wrong! This highly realistic fresco, created by artist Dominique Anthony, undeniably adds cachet to this historic boulevard theater.
📍51 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris
Étienne Marcel, Les Marches de la Vie
This superb fresco, located not far from the Etienne Marcel metro station, is 41 years old! And yet, it hasn’t aged a day. Created by Fabio Rieti, this 300 m² painting is an autobiographical work. We see the artist climbing the steps of this huge staircase towards his little daughter, who joyfully opens her arms to him. The heavy suitcase represents Fabio’s past years, and the difficulties of those years. As he walks towards his little daughter, Fabio paints a picture of a future full of hope and happiness. A sublime and poetic work to discover, restored in 2016!
📍15 R. de Turbigo, 75002 Paris
The Levallois-Perret staircase, a deep trompe-l’oeil
The town of Levallois-Perret boasts some thirty beautiful trompe-l’œil. Among them is this lovely fresco, created in 2007 by artist Jean-Louis Dupart. The latter gives depth to this busy corner of Rue Voltaire. The special feature of this trompe-l’oeil is its size! It begins on the low wall just below the fresco. If you find the perfect angle, you’ll realize the effect of depth intended by the artist. You’d almost think the man was actually sitting on the steps.
📍33 Rue Voltaire, 92300 Levallois-Perret
The deformed façade, a stunning trompe-l’oeil
No, no, your view isn’t blurred, you can see the façade of this undulating building. At least, thanks to this stunning trompe-l’oeil by master 3D illusionist Danila Shmelev. His preferred style is perfectly reflected in this work, which gives the impression that the building is distorted, as if in a funfair mirror. You’ll notice five windows, which seem to protrude spectacularly from the building’s facade.
📍Allée Django Reinhardt, 75013 Paris
The musician, a building entirely painted in the 4ᵉ
At first glance, you might think this building looks like any other. Except that this one is completely wrong. In fact, it’s a ventilation tower in the Beaubourg cultural center. This very pretty trompe-l’oeil actually conceals… a simple fireplace. Created by Fabio Rieti, it features fake windows and a violinist playing for a young girl – Fabio’s daughter.
📍Rue quincampoix, 75004 Paris
The greenhouse, the jungle in Paris
Strolling through the 12ᵉ arrondissement, you might discover this superb tropical greenhouse right in the middle of Paris. Among the cacti, palms and exotic plants, two men, perched on the second floor, watch you. The play of colors gives the illusion of a glazed greenhouse, which is really lovely to contemplate, despite the tags that have degraded its beauty.
📍rue de reuilly, 75012 Paris