Francophile discourse on the architecture of Paris

After listening to French music through Zoom and even licking whipped cream through the camera, it's time to engage the sense of sight and dedicate this Zoom session to something visual. So today's topic is the architecture of Paris and there's quite a bit to say about it, so there may definitely be follow-up videos.

So who is on the show today?

• Miriam Edri – The program host, a resident of Paris and owner of a travel company Spend time in Paris like a Parisian.
• Sabin Yakubovich – She is a lecturer in French culture who lives in Karmiel.
• Yael Alters-Wilman – architect and interior designer from Jerusalem.

Below you will find the video followed by some information and pictures about topics discussed during these Zoom meetings.

The architecture of Paris during the 19th century

The 19th century was a very turbulent century that saw a monarchy, two republics, and the empires of two Napoleons (the first and the third). Each period brought profound architectural change, culminating in the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870), who rebuilt about 60% of Paris and greatly expanded its borders.

Victor Hugo brings Gothic back to Paris

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a great lover of Gothic architecture (he believed that Paris reached its peak of beauty in the 15th century). Even as a young writer, he combined literary writing with social activism, and in 1831 he published his famous novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

This book not only saved Notre Dame from destruction, but also brought back to Paris a love of Gothic architecture and created the neo-Gothic style that was popular in the 19th century. During the reign of Napoleon III and the rebuilding of Paris, which we will discuss in the next chapter, Victor Hugo was in exile. When he returned, he found that some 24 old houses had been demolished to create the wide boulevards and parks that we are all familiar with.

In response, Victor Hugo managed to convince the politicians of his time to enact conservation laws that would prevent further destruction of ancient historical buildings, and this is undoubtedly his important legacy (beyond his literary legacy). One example of the success of his work is the amphitheater on Rue Monge, known to us as the Arènes de Lutèce, which he managed to save from destruction.

Another building is a 14th-century tower located on the corner of Notre Dame de Nazareth and Rue Saint Martin, which he also managed to save.

If you would like to get to know Victor Hugo's Paris a little better, you are welcome to read the article Victor Hugo's Paris Itinerary.

Napoleon III and Haussmann create the Paris we all know

We call Napoleon III's architectural style the Haussmannian style, after Georges-Eugène Haussmann (1809-1891), who, as prefect of the Seine department, was responsible for the reconstruction of Paris.

Ottoman construction can be identified by the following signs:

• Uniform facades.
• Each building has 5 floors.
• There were shops on the ground floor.
• The more well-off the person was, the lower the floor he lived on because at this time the elevator had not yet been invented (this would happen in Chicago during the 80s).
• On the 2nd and 5th floors there are balconies that extend along the entire facade.

How do you recognize Ottoman interior design? Look for the following three signs:

• Parquet floor
• Ceiling decorations called Molure in French.
• A fireplace, which was used to heat the apartment.

Le Corbusier's apartment

One of the most famous buildings designed by Le Corbusier and discussed in the video is the Villa La Roche. It is a classic building of his characterized by functionality without ornamentation, open spaces and construction on columns, horizontal windows and a roof terrace. When you walk inside Le Corbusier's apartment, you discover several interesting things:

• His bed is raised so that he can see the view while lying down.
• A mirror on an axis that can be rotated to see the view.
• A door that, when closed, reveals a closet.

Molitor's Pool

This is one of the most chic and stylish hotels in Paris. The hotel is located on the grounds of the Molitor public swimming pool, which was built during the 30s in a style that combines modernism and art nouveau. Hotel guests can enjoy two heated pools and a gym, and in the evening, a particularly chic bar on the hotel's rooftop.

The atmosphere here is very young, but don't let that fool you. This is a super luxurious hotel that is suitable for those who love chic, a young atmosphere and who don't mind living on the western border of Paris in return (great for those who come to watch a tennis match at Roland Garros or a soccer match at PARC DES PRINCES).

For more information and to book a room, please click here.