Throughout the history of Paris, many would argue that the city was at its most beautiful during the Belle Époque era. From the late 1800s to the early 1910s, Paris was the ultimate destination in the world. Its beauty, elegance, and sophistication surpassed others around this time, so much so that the period was then named the 'Beautiful Age' in French. It was also around that time that many structures, ranging from grand halls to humble houses, were built, a few of which still stand in the city today. If you want to see the relics of Belle Époque in person, you'll want to visit these places!
Le Train Bleu
At the turn of the century, at the height of La Belle Époque, public transport started to take root in Paris. It was around this time that the railway systems in France got their foundations, becoming a hot topic among society's elite. During this time, only those in high society could afford to ride trains so it's only natural that one of their most popular hangouts was a restaurant near one of the city's most visited stations, Gare de Lyon. Today, at this famous stop, Le Train Bleu still stands as one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris. From its gilded interior and magnificent frescoes to the bright lighting, this is Belle Époque at its finest.
Source: Le Train Bleu
Brasserie Vagenende
Don't think that just because the Belle Époque was all about opulence and grandeur that these are the sorts of places to expect on this list. Beyond the well-lit ballrooms and stunning grand halls, there are places like Brasserie Vagenende that the toast of Parisian society used to visit. At this mirror-filled brasserie in the
6th Arrondissement of Paris, right at the heart of the
Saint-Germain-des-Près district, this used to be a famous foodie hotspot during that time. Legendary artists, writers, notorious courtesans, and more would hang out here, indulging in the city's pleasures away from the strict traditions of high society.
Source: Brasserie Vagenende
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
In the upscale
Champs-Élysées area, a hop and a skip away from the city's most famous avenue, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées stands as a stark reminder of La Belle Époque's former glory. Having opened in 1913, around the end of the said era, the theater is one of the period's preserved relics, particularly its grandiose interior. With its gilded details, red-lined seating, and stunning glass dome, it's practically a shrine to Art Nouveau style. The overall look harkens back to the Belle Époque's notorious grandiosity, the defining aesthetic that makes people obsessed with the bygone era to this very day.
Source: Flickr.com/ Fred Romero
Grand Palais
As far as Parisian architecture goes, the famous Grand Palais of Paris stands as the epitome of La Belle Époque grandeur. Built in 1900, it soon became one of the most well-visited Parisian attractions during that time. It hosted several exhibitions, theatrical productions, and more. And even to this day, it remains an important events space used for shows during Fashion Week, special exhibitions, and the like. The fact that the Grand Palais, in all its Belle Époque majesty, remains relevant today is a testament to its power as one of the most important places in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Printemps Haussmann
Of course, there's no conversation about La Belle Époque without talking about the finer things in life. And in Paris, that means fashion and luxury. What's a good place to find just that? A department store, where else? And among the city's finest department stores, Printemps Haussmann's dazzling Art Nouveau store in the
9th arrondissement stands out. The department store itself first opened in 1865, a little before the Belle Époque started. But throughout the said period, it eventually became one of the go-to hotspots for luxury among the Parisian elite. The store's opulent design, both inside and out, has barely changed since then.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Galeries Lafayette
Speaking of Parisian department stores, the biggest one today is undoubtedly Galeries Lafayette. Home to a ton of
French designer brands,
high-street stores, and the like, it's become an important institution to French fashion and luxury. And yes, since it was built in 1912, Galeries Lafayette also served as one of the most popular spots in Paris during La Belle Époque. Its steel and glass dome ceiling, gilded interior, stained-glass panels, and more serve as proof of its majestic splendor, perfectly reflecting the time when it first opened. And to this day, it remains a go-to store to get the best things money can buy.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
La Belle Époque will always be part of Paris's history and heritage. It represents the city's grandeur and ultimate beauty. It's a good thing that many spots throughout the French capital have retained their Belle Époque style even to this very day!
If you're lucky, you might even end up getting a
luxury home near any of these beautiful hotspots!
