Today’s spotlight: the intersection of Avenue de la Bourdonnais and Avenue Barbey d'Aurevilly (7th arrondissement), where classic Haussmannian/Belle Époque architecture meets dramatic flair.
Look at those details, the rounded corner crowned with ornate mascarons (those expressive stone faces and figures), elaborate cornices, wrought-iron balconies curving gracefully around the façade, and tall French windows framed in stone garlands. The sculpted lions/cherubs guarding the upper levels add a touch of theatrical opulence, typical of late 19th-century bourgeois buildings in this chic area near the Eiffel Tower.
Built in the era when Paris was expanding toward the Champ de Mars (post-Exposition Universelle vibes), these facades reflect the neighborhood's prestige: tree-lined avenues, proximity to military history (École Militaire nearby), and those iconic "Eiffel-framed" street views just a block or two away.
The balconies tell a story too, long, continuous ones on the noble floors for light and views, smaller ones above for symmetry.
Why linger here?
- Stroll down Av. de la Bourdonnais for more elegant facades and hidden Eiffel peeks.
- Nearby: Champ de Mars for picnics, Invalides, or a quick Métro hop from École Militaire (Line 8).
- Literary nod: The street names honor figures like writer Barbey d'Aurevilly, fitting for such dramatic architecture!
Paris windows and balconies: always more than just openings, they frame the city's soul. What's your favorite ornate façade detail?
“Somehow, Paris always manages to be beautiful, even when it’s just quietly being itself.”
Part of the “Windows & Balconies of Paris” Series
Each Wednesday, we share a glimpse of Paris through its windows and balconies — the quiet details that give the city its rhythm and romance.
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