The Lavirotte Building
At 29 Avenue Rapp, ten minutes from the Eiffel Tower, a façade overflows with ceramics, faces and swirls. This is the Lavirotte Building, one of the high points of Art Nouveau in Paris. People live here, so you admire it from the pavement. Here is what to look for.
A showcase for a ceramicist
Architect Jules Lavirotte built the block in 1900 for the ceramicist Alexandre Bigot. The façade, covered in glazed stoneware, was a showcase for Bigot's work. The sculptures are by Théobald-Joseph Sporrer, Firmin Michelet, Alfred Jean Halou and Jean-Baptiste Larrivé.
The building won the City of Paris façade competition in 1901. Its façade and roof have been listed historic monuments since 1964, and the hall and staircase since 2015. It also carries the "20th-century heritage" label.
Things to do nearby
Getting there
Source: Wikipedia (FR), Lavirotte Building. Some links to ticket sites are affiliate links (see Transparency).
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Lavirotte Building?
No, it is a private residential building. You can admire the façade and entrance door from the street, freely.
Where is the Lavirotte Building?
At 29 Avenue Rapp in the 7th arrondissement, about 10 minutes on foot from the Eiffel Tower and 5 minutes from RER C Pont de l'Alma.
Who built the Lavirotte Building?
Architect Jules Lavirotte, in 1900, for the ceramicist Alexandre Bigot, whose ceramics cover the façade.
Why is it famous?
For its glazed stoneware Art Nouveau façade, which won the City of Paris façade competition in 1901, and its carved entrance door.
After the façade, the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a ten-minute walk away. Book a skip-the-line ticket and go straight up.