What Makes Paris an Architect’s Dream Destination?
One of the world’s most jam-packed tourist destinations is the most romantic city of Europe and the French capital, Paris. There are a plethora of reasons why one should visit Paris. Imagine seeing the beautiful and famous Eiffel Tower then casually sipping a cup of coffee just along the streets.
It feels like you are in love by just being in the city. It’s no wonder how Paris is almost on everyone’s bucket list. Just like what Audrey Hepburn says, “Paris is always a good idea”.
The city is rich in its history leaving a lot of meaningful and beautiful structures. It is without a doubt one of the dream destinations of architects. Not only is it full of historic structures but it is also a home of modern and exquisite art.
Its richness in architectural design is anchored on contemporaneousness, making architects and art lovers alike want to go to the city and experience the magic first hand.
So what makes Paris an architect’s dream destination? Of course, it is the city’s unique architectural structures. We are giving you a glimpse of some of the places that make Paris a truly wonderful and worthwhile city for your next adventure.
Make sure to include everything on the list in your travel itinerary.
Eiffel Tower
Setting off the list with the classic, Eiffel Tower. Named after its architect, Gustave Eiffel, it was built in 1889 as an entrance arch to welcome the celebration of the 1889 World’s Fair. For 41 years it held the title of the tallest manmade structure in the world. It represents the technical skills of its creator and the aspirations of the country.
Plus it gives off that romantic and magical atmosphere making it one of the most romantic places to propose around the world.
Le Grand Louvre
In 1981, French President Francois Mitterrand, after having been newly elected as president, organized a campaign in renovating cultural institutions throughout the country and one of which was the renovation of the Le Grand Louvre. The new structure is inspired by the same proportions of the Pyramid of Giza which makes it one of the famous tourist spots in Paris.
It is also one of the first structures that a foreign Chinese American architect named I.M. Pei was given the task.
Musée d’Orsay
Originally built as a Beaux-Arts railway station and formerly known as the Gare d’Orsay in 1900, its function was transformed into a museum but its structure and beauty remain the same.
It has the largest collection of post-impressionist and impressionist masterpieces around the world by painters like Sisley, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many more. The skyline views from the clock tower shouldn’t be missed out.
You might even see some structures that use the latest technology in the construction industry such as plastic injection molding to revive structural marvels that feature a very high level of craftsmanship thanks to their state-of-the-art manufacturing process.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This French Gothic masterpiece is still a must-visit place even though it was engulfed by a devastating fire back in April of 2019.
The differences in styles and heights of the west front and towers are a piece of evidence with the numerous architects who have worked on the site. Found behind it is the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation which you should also not miss out on.
Palais-Royal
This structure was originally the exquisite home of Cardinal Richelieu but after his death, it was given under the care of King Henry VIII back in 1642. Since then, it has been the home of the queens and kings until the late 18th century.
The palace now serves as the seat of the Ministry of Culture so it is closed to the public but its unique 260 black and white striped columns found in the southern end of the complex has become its signature feature since 1986.
Centre Georges Pompidou
This houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne which is considered the largest museum for modern art in Europe. It is a modern structure where its brightly colored tubes can be seen from the outside having an exposed skeleton. It pioneered the beginning of a new era of architecture.
It is also considered one of the most iconic buildings in Paris. You might want to visit the site on the first Sunday of the month for they will provide free admissions.
Les Orgues de Flandre
This structure is one of the Brutalist masterpieces in Paris. Its name is translated as the Organs of Flanders. It was built from 1974 to 1980 as a complex or a group of residential buildings.
What makes it unique and different among the other residential houses around the world is that the architect, Martin van Trek granted monumental status to those living in the private spaces while leaving public spaces at a more secondary and ordinary level.
Les Choux de Créteil
This is yet another exquisite housing project found in the suburbs. This complex is composed of ten cylindrical 15 story buildings which were initiated in 1966.
It got its name Les Choux which can be translated as Cabbages making its balconies look like one. The location of this complex is where vegetables are produced thus the reason for its name.
Its shape is not only for its style but also for its function where the living spaces are closer to the windows providing good ventilation and private space.
Palace of Versailles
One of the places that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Palace of Versailles. It is one of the most elegant and stunning palaces in Europe.
It was first built as a hunting lodge of Louis XIII until his son, Louis XIV transformed it and eventually moved the government and the Court of France to Versailles. More improvements were made by each of the three French kings living in the palace.
Conclusion
There are many other places that Paris has to offer for the list given above does not limit the beauty of the City of Lights. May you be inspired by the beauty of the architectural structures around the country and someday maybe even make your very own.
Remember that Paris is always a good idea for your dream travel vacation.
Image by Pierre Blaché from Pixabay
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